Alaina "Lainie" McNurlen

Alaina “Lainie” Hope McNurlen, affectionately known as "Lainie Lou" and "Lainie Bug," left this world far too soon at the age of 18 due to injuries sustained in a car accident.

Lainie was born October 12, 2006, in Washington, the daughter of Michael McNurlen and Bonnie Preston. She cherished her two younger siblings, Lillian and Finn. She attended Mid-Prairie schools, where she advocated for younger students to be included on the debate team. As a junior, she transferred to Washington High School and continued her education with the class of 2025.

Lainie was a soul that radiated creativity, compassion, and wonder. Her love for animals knew no bounds—she had a gift for understanding them, offering them kindness, especially to her cat Squid, along with multiple other stray cats she convinced her mom to allow into their lives. Beyond her love for creatures big and small, Lainie’s gentle, loving spirit advocated for the well-being of everyone she encountered. The fire in her heart touched everyone, and her energy could not be ignored. Lainie had a gift for brightening any room and was always there for those in need.

Lainie was an artist in every sense of the word. She expressed her creativity through many avenues. The world was her canvas, and she filled it with color, passion, and beauty. Her love for Disney was a reflection of her belief in magic, adventure, and the power of dreams, finding enchantment in everyday life and spreading joy to those around her. She treasured books, theater, and music. She found pure joy in the outrageous energy of concerts, where the music, the chaos, and the community filled her heart.

Lainie was also deeply connected to nature and the mysteries of the universe. She found meaning in the stars, guidance in the phases of the moon, and comfort in the energy of crystals. She believed in the unseen forces that tie us all together, always seeking wisdom, always radiating light. She had an old soul—one that understood the depth of emotions, the beauty of creation, and the significance of the spiritual world around her.

Survivors include her father: Michael (Julia) McNurlen of Wellman; mother: Bonnie Preston of Keota; brother: Finn McNurlen; sister: Lillian Yoder; grandparents: Dick and Janis McNurlen of Keota, Rev. Bob and Denise Preston of Keota, and Roger and Janet Stutzman of Wellman as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Holy Trinity Parish - St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota with Rev. Charles Fladung officiating. Burial will be at Keota Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Powell Funeral Home in Keota.

A memorial fund has been established for the family. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Lainie and her family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Lainie, our hearts ache with your absence, but we find comfort knowing your soul is free. Rest easy, sweet girl. Your family will carry your love and light always, and your magic will never fade.