Search by Name

Search by Name

Lauren Elise Skillman

1990 - 2011

Lauren Skillman Obituary

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011, Lauren Elise Skillman left this earth for an exciting new adventure on "Cloud 9." Celebration of life: Please celebrate her amazing 21 years of life at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, in the Botanic Garden's Rose Garden (bring a chair). Lauren requested that everyone wear pink and glitter! Memorials: In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Lauren's memory to Cancer Care Services in Fort Worth. Lauren "Lala" was born Oct. 15, 1990, in Fort Worth. As a child she loved soccer and Indian Princesses. Growing up, she dreamed of becoming a famous singer or actress. She graduated from Arlington Heights High School and was majoring in advertising at Texas State University. Lala was also a gifted artist. In August she hand-painted boots that raised $30,000 to benefit the Palliative Care program at Cook Children's. She had a sunshine smile and made everyone feel special. Lauren taught us how to live with passion and joy. She taught us how to fight cancer bravely and inspirationally, and she showed us how to die with peace, humor and a "rampage of love." Survivors: Her mother and stepfather, Melanie and Dana Wilson; father, Steve Skillman; sisters, Ashley and Katye Skillman and Kelly Quebe; her loving boyfriend, Dillon Bartlett; an adoring extended family; and thousands of friends and "Lala's Soldiers."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram on Nov. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Lauren Skillman

Not sure what to say?





Travis Rusk

July 26, 2021

I am thinking of you today I miss you !

Ps. the links on this page don't work

Robin Schaaf-Bookwalter

April 11, 2012

Steve, I am so sorry to hear about Lauren "Lala". What an amazing young lady you have brought into this world! She has inspired me just reading about her. Your passion and joy for life has obviously been passed on to ~and through~ her, and that passion and joy will continue on through the lives she touched. She has and will continue to make the world a better place. My prayers are with you and your family.

Lynn Van Hoser

March 26, 2012

Lauren,
I want you to know that we have thought of you so much during the past month. I took Jackson to the beach and because you had taught him to swim, I felt confident to play with him in the surf and I taught him to snorkel.
You will always be a part of Jackson's life and again, even though I never met you, I will always remember that you were Jackson's friend and taught him an important skill - swimming.

Lynn Van Hooser
Jackson Van Hooser's MiMi

Caroline Clay

March 25, 2012

I was so sad to find out that sweet little girl I used to babysit had moved on. I will always remember her as that joyful sweet girl.

George Harakas

November 25, 2011

Rosemary and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. She was an absolutely beautiful woman, both inside and out. What an amazing person she was. We're sure you are very proud of her as well you should be. May her memory be eternal.

George & Rosemary Harakas

Lynn Van Hooser

November 24, 2011

I never really met Lauren; however, I felt that I knew her because she was an important part of my grandson, Jackson's life. For several years, Lauren babysat Jackson. Lauren taught Jackson to swim, and was one of his favorite friends. Our family heard about Lauren from Jack and how special she was. I am so sorry to hear that Lauren is no longer with us. To Lauren and her family, thank you for each moment you spent with Jackson. He really loved you Lauren, and will always remember you. It sounds as though you have made many lives better during your short life. My prayers will be with you and your parents and I will make sure Jackson never forgets his favorite friend, Lauren.

Jackson's Mimi

Bari Boshes Rosenbloom

November 15, 2011

Steve- my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

November 15, 2011

Steve and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you!
Melissa (Hayden) Garson

Jane Oderberg

November 15, 2011

Melanie, Dana and Family: What a wonderful legacy Lauren has left for all of us. She was an amazing young woman and showed us all that love, friends, and family are so very important. May your memories bring you comfort.

Patrick and Kari Potts

November 15, 2011

Steve-
Your inner strength was always one of your most admirable traits and it sure seems like your daughters inherited that in spades, especially Lala... You and your girls are in our thoughts and prayers and I hope we can hug this out soon..

Tina (Krimmer) Cooper

November 14, 2011

Steve - I am so sorry for your loss. This was a tough battle that Lauren fought boldly and gracefully. She will inspire many with her bravery and the love she shared with family and friends. You, my dear friend, will carry her with you forever -- you'll see her everywhere, in the things you do and the people you meet. She was blessed to have you as her loving and caring father. My thoughts are with you and your family during this challenging time. Love, Tina

Karen Conran Wagner

November 14, 2011

Steve and family, what a beautiful daughter and beautiful tribute. She sounds like an amazing person who was full of life. So sorry she had to go so soon. God bless you all as you heal from this deep loss. Karen Conran Wagner (NTE friend)

David Reaves

November 14, 2011

Few have ever loved or been loved as much as you, Lauren. Your courage is an inspiration to all of us and may it strengthen your parents, sisters, family and friends as they begin the long and difficult road that lies ahead.

George and Suzanne Klauke

November 13, 2011

Steve,Melanie,Ashley and Kayte,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lauren was a beautiful girl in so many ways and reflected the love from all of you.

Jeremias Hernandez

November 13, 2011

Lauren... Amid your fierce battle with cancer, and through your audacious perseverance, came the character of a beautiful soldier. you are a hero in the books of many including my own. I pray God helps your family heal the wounds and the hole in their hearts, and that they would just remember your smile and love. thank you Lauren, for your wonderful example! I hope to one day have as much courage as you did!

Vikki and Ryan Brewer

November 10, 2011

Steve, Melanie , dana and Ashley and Kayte,
I would like to send our deepest sympathy . Lauren taught us all how to accept people for who they are , how to love and appreciate the little things , our family is blessed to have had Lala in our life , she is a true STAR shining bright for our lord .

Roger Gross

November 8, 2011

To Eleanor & Bill Hanshaw, loving, devoted Grandparents we know how much you loved Lauren and we lift you up as your hearts grieve, knowing you will see her again as she shared with us Oct. 23rd from her hospital bed, that she had Jesus in her heart. You will see her again, Be assured. Roberta Robins Gross, Roger Gross, Anna & Ray McDannell, Penny & Dale Warila and all the Prayer Warriors from MOMS in Touch National who tirelessly covered the family in prayers

Justice Smith

November 8, 2011

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Lillian Greenslade

November 8, 2011

Melanie, Steve, Dana and family,
We are so sorry for your tragic, tragic loss of beautiful Lauren. Our hearts go out to you forever more.
Love to all, Joe and Lillian Greenslade

Debbie Liveris

November 7, 2011

Steve, Melanie, Dana & Family,
I only met Lauren once, but I have followed her courageous and brave fight. I, along with so many others, are saddened by the loss of this beautiful young lady. May you take comfort in knowing that Lauren is now your Guardian Angel.
Sending up prayers for your family. May Lauren rest in Heavenly peace and may God bless all of you.

Michelle Brock

November 7, 2011

Lauren, I'm glad to have been one of your teachers in 8th grade. You always had a smile on your face! Life is so precious and you seemed to have lived it to its fullest in a few short years! I pray for your family as they go through this difficult time.

Sheila Madden

November 7, 2011

Even though we didn't get the opportunity to meet Lauren, We feel like we have. Lauren has been a inspiration to both of us. She has made a impact on so many peoples lives rather they knew her or not. Thank You Lauren for the love, laughter, life, faith and care that you have brought back into our lives. Your passion for life will never be forgotten! We send our deepest condolences to the Skillman family. God Bless you all! Dale and Sheila

Shea Tyrone

November 7, 2011

God has called home a soldier to sing in his angelic choir .

Lauren touched the lives of so many in such a short time. Her beautiful smile and sweet spirit will forever be remembered .
Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time in your life.
Steve and Shea Tyrone

Kim Smith

November 7, 2011

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Sheena

November 7, 2011

I was blessed to be one of Lauren's nurses in her last few weeks at Cook's. She was an amazing girl, and has managed to touch me more than any other patient I've cared for in the PI. You are an UNBELIEVABLE family and provided Lauren with SO much love, it was truly amazing... I'll always remember you all. - Sheena

Michael Hatch

November 7, 2011

Lauren...it was an honor to have you in class in your 8th grade year. You always had a smile and I miss that contagious laugh. May God bring peace and serenity to your family.

Bradley Martens

November 6, 2011

Never had the privilege of knowing Lauren, but I do know an incredible soul when I see one. I can tell immediately when I watch her videos on YouTube or the variety of pics on FB of the zest for life she has. She is a rare person with the great gift to love everybody, regardless of their background. She is a solider, which probably explains how the LaLaSoldier name was created. Her fight is now our fight, she will always be with us to nurture and guide us. Some of us may still be hurting from this loss, but from my own experience, one who lost a friend to something much worse than cancer, is we can't dwell too much on the past. We ain't living our life to the fullest, doing that. We must stand united; let's not let what happened to Lauren happen to someone else and their family. We love you Lauren. Dance the good dance, sing that beautiful voice for our Heavenly Father, you are an Angel. Till we all meet again, RIP <3

Glenda Rhoades

November 6, 2011

My sincerest condolences to Lauren's parents. Karen Dohoney is my cousin and we lost my beloved father this past Thursday. Our comfort is knowing our loved ones are with our Saviour and that we will indeed see them again some day. God bless you and your family.

Kathryn West Cashion

November 6, 2011

Dear Melanie, dana & family,
My heart breaks for you. Lauren will be forever in my memories as a brave and beautiful Christian woman that brought so many together in prayer. What an amazing legacy. I know she is shining in His light now. Forever in glitter.

Rock on, Lala!

Carol Montague

November 6, 2011

I wish I had more time to get to know you, but you will not be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in all of us, including those WITHOUT cancer. We each have our challenges, and the way you tackled yours was an inspiration to all.

Carolyn Sudduth

November 6, 2011

I never had the privilege of meeting Lauren in person. However, I was truly blessed to be one of "Lala's Soldiers". She had such an impact on so many people including me. I count myself truly blessed to have been able to travel with her 'in spirit' for a small part of her journey. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and others who loved this extraordinary person. God bless each of you all.

Lisa Hall

November 6, 2011

Dear Steve, Melanie, Dana, and Family,
Words cannot begin to express my sorrow for your incredible loss. The zeal for life, compassion, and joy that has been shared on Lala's Soldiers website is quite incredible. I imagine her celebrating at the throne of glory right now in Heaven with God cheering her on even more. Please know I am kneeling at the cross in prayer for you and your family at this difficult time.

Myron Holst

November 6, 2011

i never got to meet Lauren, I was one of Lala's Soldiers . I lost my father to cancer, but I can't imagine the pain of losing my child . My heart goes out to Lala's parents & family . She fought the good fight & now your brave & beautiful star will live on in our hearts

Mary Miller

November 6, 2011

Steve and Family, I am so sorry to hear that your Beautiful Daughter died. Reading her Legacy made me smile as she was such an incredible young Lady. I will be praying for you and your Family during this difficult time. What an amazing and incredible young woman she was!

David Mosby

November 6, 2011

I remember Lauren from year 1. I have never seen a young lady so courageously fight a battle with cancer. She will live long in our hearts. My prayers are with family and friends.

James Farmer

November 6, 2011

Though I never met you in this life, your life impacted mine. I am so thankful that I had the honor of traveling with you the last several months of your courageous journey! I have gained strength and courage from your many soldiers as well. I wouldn't miss the memorial for you and I will be there with my pink on (still working on the glitter part) LOL. Thanks so much for your presence in my life dear Lauren. Enjoy your reward!

Melissa & Philip Rogers

November 6, 2011

Steve, Melanie & Dana - We were crushed to hear about Lauren. You are all in our prayers.

Toni Hooten

November 6, 2011

We miss you Lauren. Your time spent on earth was short but your teachings and legacy will live on for many, many years. My prayers are with the whole family and the many, many friends (and strangers) that Lauren has blessed. I love you sweet girl......

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results

Make a Donation
in Lauren Skillman's name

Memorial Events
for Lauren Skillman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Lauren's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lauren Skillman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more