Laura Nash

On September 21, 2022, Laura Ann Nash (Helt) was welcomed into heaven by her father, Dean Robert Helt, her sister, Lisa Marie Helt, her father in law, Ralph Edward Nash, her grandparents, Robert and Florence Helt, James Calvin and Doris Hicks, and George and Eleanor McLaughlin and her dear friend, Matt Peters.

Dean and Katie Helt welcomed their daughter to the world on July 4, 1981 in Inverness, Florida. Some may say this is the reason Laura had such a prominent sparkle when she smiled.  She was so beautiful that strangers felt the need to stop and tell her that her husband was a lucky man.

Laura had an ideal childhood in Inverness and was always surrounded by loved ones.  She spent much of her time playing softball and building lifelong friendships.  Her parents dedicated their time in coaching and driving her to trainings and tournaments.  Laura graduated from Citrus High School in 1999 and was a Varsity softball pitcher and powerhouse hitter.  The unwavering support of those who loved her, along with Laura’s work ethic and natural abilities, led her to earn an athletic scholarship to play softball at Pasco-Hernando College.  After graduating with her associate’s degree in 2002, she accepted Webber International University’s scholarship offer to continue playing softball while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies.  At her graduation ceremony, it was noted that Laura was the first person to ever graduate from Webber utilizing their online platform to finish her degree.  She has always been a trailblazer.

Laura enjoyed working and held a variety of jobs throughout her life.  She was invaluable to many businesses and responsible for networking opportunities that would have not otherwise occurred.  A few years were spent teaching high school at her alma mater.  She was active in extracurricular activities and connected with her students in a profound way.  Laura leaves behind her cherished work family at Brannen Bank where she has worked in the loan department for the last five years.

Laura filled meaningful roles in countless lives.  She was a mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, niece, aunt, best friend, coworker, neighbor, teacher, student, athlete, teammate, confidant, caretaker, protector, and provider.  She was the best at everything she did and many people are at a complete loss as how to function without her.

Her greatest joys in life were being a wife and then becoming a mother.  Laura and Jeremy fell in love when they were only 16 years old.  They were inseparable from day one and have been together for 25 years.  Love is not a strong enough word to describe their connection.  To say she was his everything doesn’t even scratch the surface.  He has had to learn how to breathe again.  They were married March 6, 2004 and blessed with their first baby girl on June 27, 2006.  Ava Katherine Nash was more than they ever dreamed of and she forever changed their lives for the better.  They were so in love with being parents that they gave Ava a sister on May 16, 2013.  Jemma Kay Nash came into this world ready to conquer it.  She’s only 9, but she has already forged a path.  Laura loved them with everything she had and everyone knew it.  Jeremy and the girls are being completely embraced with love and support and that’s not ever going to stop.  Laura built such strong relationships and friendships that an abundance of people feel the calling to protect her family in her physical absence.

September 21st was the worst day of so many lives.  This is a gut-wrenching tragedy and we will never be the same.  But Laura would be having none of this.  She would remind us that she has been reunited with people she yearned to hug again.  We are feeling indescribable pain that some of us have never felt before.  Let us find just a little bit of comfort in knowing she will live on in our hearts and in the bodies of those lucky enough to be recipients of her generosity.
She leaves behind her devoted husband Jeremy Edward Nash and her beautiful daughters Ava Katherine Nash and Jemma Kay Nash; loving mother Katherine Hicks Helt and adored mother in law, Janice Nash; brother in law, who is much more like a brother, Justin Nash; sister and brother in law, Melissa and Scott Hosack (MallieJo and Jack); her beloved pets Prince, Max, and Ruby.  Also left to mourn her loss are uncles, aunts, and cousins:  Debbie and Mike Combs (Cheri, Carrie, Casey), Jo Hicks, June and Joey Reeves (Rebekah and Daniel), Clint and DeeDee Hicks (Clinton, Nikki), Gregg and Karen Helt (Shane, Kyle, Meghan), Scott and Sophia Helt (Summer, Kayla, Casey), Dawn and Bob Burkett, and Lynne and Darren Pillsbury (Tyler, Parker, Carson, Hayden).

Laura leaves behind an impressive amount of very special, loyal, true friends, and extended family.  This speaks volumes about the amazing person she was.  She will be forever missed.

A memorial gathering for Laura will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Cornerstone Baptist Church 1100 W. Highland Blvd, Inverness. Visitation will begin at 3 PM with services at 4 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed at any Brannen Bank, by mail to Brannen Bank: The Nash Family, P.O. Box 1929, Inverness, FL 34451, or by Venmo: TheNashFamily (no spaces) in honor of Laura.

Arrangements are under the care of Heinz Funeral Home and Cremation, Inverness.