Laura Beth Chism

Laura Beth Chism, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on November 7, 2026, in Dayton. She was born on February 19, 1959, in Dayton, a city that remained the setting of her life from beginning to end.

Laura will be remembered as an outspoken and feisty woman who was also loving in her own way. She found joy in caring for the things and people she loved most. She loved to garden and bake for her family, and she adored her animals. Those simple but meaningful parts of daily life reflected the warmth she shared with the people around her and the home she made for those she loved.

Above all, Laura’s family was at the heart of her life. She is survived by her children, Laurie Sims, Kori (Ryan) Mullins, and John (Janell) Reffitt. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Bethany (Travis) Lamb, Nathan (Kayla) Hamilton, Anthony Simonson, Joseph Simonson, Alexis Newman, Tyler Rose, and Shane Rose, as well as her great-grandchildren, Cody Lamb, Jeremiah Lamb, Bella Simonson, and Penelope Singh. Laura is also survived by her sisters, Beverly Collier and Barbara Lowe; her brother, Charles Henry; and her niece, Elizabeth Dixon; as well as numerous extended family members and friends. Each of them carries forward memories of her strong spirit, her unmistakable personality, and the love she gave in ways that were entirely her own.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ann Henry; her husband, Lewis Chism; her sisters, Bonnie Czaplicki and Brenda Houk; her brother, Craig Henry; and her ex-husband John Reffitt. Their memories remained a lasting part of Laura’s life, and she now rests reunited with those who went before her.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 2:00PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, North Dayton, 4104 Needmore Rd, Dayton, OH 45424. Family and friends may visit from 1:00PM until the time of service.  

Laura Beth Chism will be remembered with love for her strength, her fire, and the place she held in the lives of her family. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.