Laura Rainey

Laura Jean Rainey, 62, of Bellaire, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at her home. She was born on December 16, 1963, in Mt. Clemens, MI, the daughter of Charles and Carol (Dougherty) Edgecomb.

After moving to Northern Michigan before her junior year, Laura graduated from Kalkaska High School and went on to attend NMC in Traverse City for a short time. She worked various jobs around the Bellaire area over the years; she drove bus for Kalkaska Public Schools, worked in several capacities at Shanty Creek, was employed with the Antrim County News, and lastly, drove as a rural carrier for the US Postal Service in Bellaire and Central Lake. Laura had a memorable personality, an infectious laugh, and you rarely had to worry about what was on her mind.

Laura loved spending time with her family more than anything else, especially her grandchildren. She always did whatever she could to attend their sporting events and other important events for each of them. She also enjoyed watching sports on TV, and always cheered for the Michigan Wolverines, the Lions, and the Tigers, even when it was painful. She and Roger spent countless hours tending to their flower and vegetable gardens in the backyard, and she used the harvest to make many delicious items, notably her jalapeño jelly and homemade salsa. Laura was an excellent cook and baker, making many meals for her family and for special occasions. Her mac & cheese was always a crowd favorite, as was her banana bread, among many other dishes and baked goods.

Laura will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

On September 12, 1994, at the Alden Methodist Church, Laura married the love of her life, Roger Rainey, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Matthew (Jenni) Rainey of Kewadin, MI, Logan (Johnathan) Balon of Belleville, MI, and Charles (Samantha) Rainey of Traverse City; seven grandchildren, Ilah, Coraline, Gavin, Jordyn, George, Xander, and Madilynn; her brother, Charles Edgecomb of Rapid City; two sisters, Julie (Duke) Hall of Firestone, CO, and Erin Waller of Traverse City; two nieces, Amanda (Collin) Fitzgerald, Mackenzie Waller; a nephew, Peyton Waller; and a great-niece, Brynnlee Fitzgerald.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister-in-law, Beth Edgecomb.

A celebration of Laura’s life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, non-perishable food donations can be made to the Love Thy Neighbor Food Blessing Box which can be found at the intersection of M-88 and Holiday Dr. in Bellaire.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chape of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com