HOPE
Mary “Pokie” Laudick, of Hope, passed away on August 16, 2023 at her home after a lengthy battle with ALS.
Born on April 16 in Cincinnati Ohio, Pokie was the daughter of Chester Lonaker and Roberta Cecil Vaughn.
Pokie was a beautician and owned her own hair salon on Washington Street in Columbus.
Her biggest passion and biggest hobby was standing behind the salon chair for over 50 years. Her clients who became like family, were so very important to her. She had a lifetime of experiences to share and enjoyed giving advice and support to others. She was so thankful for all of her clients and their friendships to the very end.
Pokie was the most generous, loving, supportive, and forgiving person. She had a smile that was contagious and a kindness that you’d never doubt that was genuine. Her heart was made of pure gold. She was the absolutely best Grandma, Mom, Aunt, Sister and friend to many. She was the biggest supporter of the underdog and always loved to see people win. She’d never turn away a stranger, not ever for a meal. Her heart was full if her kitchen was.
Pokie was a hard worker and she taught her family how to stand on their own two feet, to be strong, take care of their people, to live large, travel the world, be kind to strangers and those less fortunate, and to love hard!
Survivors include her companion of 24 years, Steve Cohen of Hope; children, Jeff Polk of Columbus and Rikki (Cody) Hege of Hope; her special nephew, Chester Lonaker of Hope; grandchildren, Jeff (Ashley) Polk II of Norvolk, VA, Brandon (Sarah) Garrison of Greensburg, and Brody and Andi Hege of Hope; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Helen (Ron) Keller of Hope and Troy Wombles of Columbus; and several special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pokie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William and James Lonaker; sister, Betty Garrison; and infant brother, Raymond Lonaker.
Following Pokie’s wishes, cremation is planned.
A Celebration of Life open house will be held on Saturday August 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hope Moravian Church MOC at 202 Main Street Hope, IN 47246. A video tribute and music will take place at 5:30 p.m. Inurnment will be at Garland Brook at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17th Street Columbus, IN 47201 or Students’ Fund of Hope.
Online condolences may be sent to Pokie’s Family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.
