Laura Mae Switzer
1941-2019
Dr. Laura Switzer, 77 of Edmond, Oklahoma passed away Friday, April 19, 2019, at Integris Hospice House in Oklahoma City. She was born in McLean, Texas to Forrest and Rachel Switzer.
She is survived by her sister, Glenda Roachelle of Las Vegas, NV; nephew Jim Roachelle, Walnut Creek, CA; niece Laura Quiroga, North Bend, OR; one great niece and three great nephews. Her parents, her brother John Switzer and her nephew Charles Switzer preceded her in death.
Laura received her B.A. degree from Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, TX; M.Ed. degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford; and Ed.D from the University of Oklahoma. In 1963, she began her teaching and coaching career in the Sanford-Fritch school district, Fritch TX, where she taught math and coached junior and senior high boys and girls basketball, track, volleyball and tennis. Laura served as a graduate teaching assistant and women’s basketball coach while pursuing her Ed.D degree at the University of Oklahoma. She joined the faculty at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1965 teaching in the health and physical education department and coaching women’s sports. Laura retired from Southwestern in 2001 ending a 36-year career in education.
Laura was member of the Wayland Baptist University Flying Queens basketball team. She was a three time All American (1961,1962 and 1963). In 1961, as a member of the USA basketball team, she traveled to Russia and Sweden. She was also a member of the Gold Medal Pan American team that traveled to Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1961.
Dr. Switzer received many honors and awards during her teaching and coaching careers. Wayland Baptist University inducted Laura into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2011, she was inducted into the SWOSU Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2019, the Wayland Flying Queens teams of 1948-1982 will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
She was active in various organizations throughout her professional career including Delta Kappa Gamma, the Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and both the Southern District and the National Associations for Health and Physical Education. In 1996, she received the Honor Award from the Oklahoma Association HPERD and, in 1993, the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports honored her with the Pathfinder Award.
Laura was an avid reader. She enjoyed playing golf, line dancing, square dancing and walking in the neighborhood. She loved lighthouses and had many in her collection.
Memorial services will be conducted at Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, OK on April 26, 2019, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or to a charity of your choice.
Dr. Switzer was my coach and teacher from 1975-1979, while I was attending SWOSU. I will always remember her gentle disposition and her dry sense of humor. Prayers for her friends and family. May she rest in peace.
It was my privilege to work with Dr. Switzer for 23 of her years on our SWOSU campus. She was well liked and respected.
My heartfelt condolences to all who are mourning the death of Dr. Switzer. May God continue to sustain you and to help you (Psalm 34:18). May His promises give you hope and bring you comfort (Hosea 13:14; Psalm 37:11, 29, 39).
Dr Switzer was my coach from 1971-1975. Was an awesome person to be around. I received my master’s degree of Education from SWOSU also. She will be deeply missed. Prayers to her family
Patty Bruce
Dr. Switzer was my instructor for most of my college years. I think I learned as from Dr. Switzer in the classroom as out of the classroom.
The sense of humor she had, helped me through many situations, since leaving SWOSU.
May your memory and deeds live on.