Laura Mark McNutt

Laura Mark McNutt, 38, of Waco, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and faithful Christian, she was known for her strength, generosity, and her motto, “Here to Live.”

A private burial will be held April 23, 2026, followed by a service at First Baptist Church of Waco at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Matt Snowden officiating. For those who would like to pay their respects, she will lie in state on Wednesday, April 22, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd, Waco, Texas.

Laura was born in Houston on October 21, 1987, and was the third of four children. She grew up at Tallowood Baptist Church, where she was baptized by her grandfather, Dr. Ed Carter, and was deeply involved in missions programs. A standout athlete, she was named First Team All-City in softball by the Houston Chronicle and served on the varsity cheerleading squad at Memorial High School.

She attended Baylor University, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and formed lifelong friendships. There, she met her husband, Ryan McNutt. They married on New Year’s Eve 2012 in Fredericksburg, Texas. They lived in Kansas City for four years before settling in Waco.

Laura and Ryan welcomed two children: Mary Allyson (9) and William (5). In 2023, Laura received a cancer diagnosis; but, she courageously extended her life nearly three years. Throughout her treatments she continued working full-time, raising her children, traveling widely, and organizing “Mahjong for a Mission,” which raised significant funds for local nonprofits.

She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Anne and Dr. Ed Carter; paternal grandparents, Patti and Dewey Mark; and uncle, Michael Mark.

Laura is survived by her husband, Dr. Ryan McNutt; her daughter, Mary Allyson McNutt; her son, William McNutt; her parents, Allyson and Daniel Mark; and her siblings, Lisa Mark Henderson, David Mark, and Linda Mark Terrell.

Memorials may be made to Ozark For All, the non-profit arm of Camp Ozark, a place that held special meaning in Laura’s life.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Laura in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com