Laura Ann Salazar Mills Carlton, 73, of Buchanan Dam, Texas joined her heavenly Father on February 4, 2020. Laura was a native of San Antonio, graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, and later obtaining her degree in business administration from University of Texas at San Antonio. She was a career civil servant, working for almost every branch of the government, culminating in her work for the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas. She later worked for the Department of Agriculture Extension Service teaching a variety of classes for the community.

Laura was a gifted artist and a signature member of the National Watercolor Society and Texas Watercolor Society.  She started painting over 30 years ago, showing and selling her work at numerous galleries and events. Her work included abstract interpretations of nature, and later, mixed-media and collage. She made her home in Buchanan Dam, Texas for thirty years where she was inspired each day by what the Lord had blessed her with: green pastures, still waters, and beautiful colors. She loved the freedom of painting and creating, having the ability to experiment, having fun with colors and shapes, and not following any rules. She took inspiration from quotes, dreams, emotions, and scripture. The natural world never failed to guide her creative journey, and it was reflected in her work. (See the photo album to enjoy a few pieces of Laura's artwork)

In addition to her own art, Laura taught art classes, was a member of the Capital Art Society, a Master Gardner of Burnet County, and a core leader in her Women’s Bible Study. Her secret recipe Sage Brush Chili won the 1974 Houston Chili Cookoff and many others. She was instrumental in running the Women’s State Chili Cookoff in Lukenbach, Texas through the 1980 and 90s, even campaigning to have chili named the official “State Dish of Texas.”

Laura is survived by her loving husband of thirty years, Tim Carlton of Buchanan Dam, Texas, her daughters Jeanne Leatherland Rios, and her husband Tony; Sara Lynn Leatherland Grindy and her husband Sean; and her two siblings, Susie Higgins and Michael Gawayne Mills. She was a beloved Gran to four grandchildren: Allison Rios Osborne, Emily Rios Fonbuena, Nicholas Grindy, and McLean Grindy, and was later promoted to GiGi to her four great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her father, Robert Alfred Salazar, and her mother, Sarah Sue Bast Mills.

A memorial honoring her life will be held Saturday, February 8th, 2020 at Packsaddle Fellowship Church in Kingsland, Texas at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Robert Billingslea officiating. If you would like to honor her love of color, add a little green to your outfit on Saturday. Share your thoughts, memories and condolences at www.PutnamCares.com.