May 29, 1948 – January 3, 2026
Laura Jane Wright passed away peacefully at her home in Moab, Utah, on January 3, 2026, at the age of 77.
Laura was born on May 29, 1948, in Arab, Alabama, to Rudy Higgins and Peggy Higgins. She was the oldest of five children, with three sisters—one of whom passed away in infancy—and a beloved little brother who also preceded her in death.
At the age of four, Laura moved with her family from Alabama to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Ten years later, after her father accepted a position as lead chemist with the Texas Gulf Sulfur Company potash plant, the family relocated to Moab, Utah, a community Laura would forever call home.
Laura attended Grand County High School, graduating in 1966. She later pursued her passion for hair styling, graduating from cosmetology school in Colorado Springs. After finishing school, she decided to try something new and headed to New York City, where she spent about a year before returning home to Moab.
Upon returning, Laura began her career as a hair stylist in Grand Junction, Colorado, where she lived with her best friends, Donna Dull and Judy Meadows. In 1968, longtime friend Francis Jones traveled to Grand Junction and offered Laura a position back in Moab at the Beauty Terrace, bringing her back to the town and profession she loved.
Laura married Dale Wright in 1971. Together they raised two sons, Wyland and Ping, and were together for 48 years, until Dale’s passing in 2019.
Laura worked at the Beauty Terrace until 2001, when she fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening her own salon, Laura’s Hair Safari. She never regretted taking that leap, though she often spoke fondly of her former coworkers, Francis Jones and Joe Chacon, whom she missed dearly. Laura felt Moab had always been good to her. She built deep, lasting relationships with her loyal customers—many of whom became family.
Her salon was as unique as she was, filled with statues and artwork of African animals and rituals, most gifted to her by customers and friends who brought her treasures from their travels. Laura cherished every knickknack on her shelves. Customers often likened her shop to the beauty salon in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias—except, as Laura proudly said, “We don’t gossip.”
Laura’s love for hair styling began at a very young age. As a third grader, she spent Friday nights at a beauty school, happily sweeping hair, cleaning brushes, emptying trash, filling pop machines, and arranging magazines—what she proudly called “the really fun stuff.”
Her dedication to her shop was unmatched. It was not uncommon for Laura to work 12–14 hour days. Many customers came not just for hair appointments, but for companionship, and Laura’s salon often had several women sitting together, chatting and laughing. She believed that sometimes people just needed a place to go and feel welcome.
Outside of work, Laura was an avid sports fan. She loved the Utah Utes, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Braves, and Utah Jazz. She attended many games over the years, with the 2023 Rose Bowl being a highlight.
Laura devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She never missed a single game or practice for her sons and even coached junior cheer. Watching her boys compete in football, basketball, baseball, and track during high school was one of her greatest joys—a joy she relived through her grandchildren. She traveled nationwide for wrestling tournaments and spent countless weekends in the Grand Junction area watching her grandchildren play baseball, softball, football, and dance. Her grandchildren were truly the love of her life.
Laura was also a devoted pet lover. She leaves behind her three cherished dogs—Ute, Bronco, and Luna—who remained by her side until the end.
Laura is survived by: Wyland and Holly Wright, and their sons Austin and Landon. Ping and Tanya Wright, and their children Bailey, Dawson, Charlee, and Brady. She is also survived by her sisters Montez Warner and family, Susan Miller and family. Best friends Donna and Tim Dull and family, and Judy Meadows and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudy and Peggy Higgins; her brother Ronald Higgins; her sister Delisa Higgins; and her husband, Dale Wright.
Funeral services will be held on January 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Community Church of Moab (544 N. MiVida Drive, Moab). Graveside services will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery (2651 Spanish Valley Drive, Moab).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Community Church of Moab Youth Group.
You may send tributes to the family at SpanishValleyMortuary.com or www.svmc.us.
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