It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Laura Ray Kosal, who passed away on Oct. 2, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey.
Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Laura’s life on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, with Denton Mead officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Laura was a proud graduate of Heavener High School, class of 1969. Following graduation, she continued her education at Draughon’s Business School in Tulsa. It was during this chapter of her life that she began the journey that would lead her to the love of her life, Nejat Kosal. The two were married and eventually made their home in Ankara, Turkey, where they spent most of their married life building a life together and raising their family.
Though Laura lived much of her life far from her Oklahoma roots, the love she shared with her family remained an important part of her story. She leaves behind a legacy of family, cherished memories, and a life that connected loved ones across oceans and generations.
Survivors are her loving husband, Nejat Kosal, of Ankara, Turkey; her son Murat Kosal and his wife Pinar of Ankara, Turkey; and her daughte Dilara Eristiren and her husband Yalim of Medfield, Massachusetts; grandchildren Ayla Kosal, Selin Eristiren, and Melis Eristiren, who will forever hold a special place in her heart; brother John Ray and his wife Linda; sister Shirley Jenkins and her husband Kenneth; nephews Scott Hansen and Wesley Ray; nieces Andrea Sixkiller and Stephanie Sealy; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Waiting to welcome Laura home in heaven were her mother, Marilyn Ray Wyatt; her stepfather, Glenn Wyatt; her two brothers David Ray and James Anthony Ray; her niece, Julie Michelle Hansen; and so many other beloved friends and family members who went before her. Oh, what a reunion that must have been.
Although Laura’s passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, her memory will live on through the family she cherished, the memories she created, and the love that will continue to connect those she leaves behind. Distance could never diminish the bonds of family, and her life will always be remembered by those fortunate enough to have shared in it.
Laura will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of her family and friends. May she rest in peace, reunited with those who were waiting to welcome her home.
To sign Laura’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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