Lauren Ashley Arnold Passes
The amusement industry mourns alongside Jon and Karen Arnold, co-owners of Michigan-based Arnold's Amusement Company, on the passing of their daughter, Lauren Ashley Arnold. Lauren passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at Holland Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 33. A familiar presence to many within the carnival community, Lauren brought joy to those around her and held a special connection to the sights and sounds of the midway that are so central to our industry.
On behalf of our entire organization, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Arnold family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time, and we hope they find comfort in the many lives Lauren touched and the lasting impact of her light within both her family and the amusement community.
In honor of Lauren's legacy and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the IISA Showmen's Club. These funds will be used to replace the current "Lauren's Place" play area with a more durable playscape and benches for all children to enjoy. Any remaining funds will be donated to the IISA Special Needs Christmas Party and Charity Corporation, including support for "The More Than Project." Donations can also be made directly to The More Than Project through their website.
Lauren's full obiturary is below:
On behalf of our entire organization, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Arnold family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time, and we hope they find comfort in the many lives Lauren touched and the lasting impact of her light within both her family and the amusement community.
In honor of Lauren's legacy and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the IISA Showmen's Club. These funds will be used to replace the current "Lauren's Place" play area with a more durable playscape and benches for all children to enjoy. Any remaining funds will be donated to the IISA Special Needs Christmas Party and Charity Corporation, including support for "The More Than Project." Donations can also be made directly to The More Than Project through their website.
Lauren's full obiturary is below:
Lauren Ashley Arnold, age 33, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, at Holland Hospital on March 27, 2026, in Holland Michigan.
Lauren was born on November 10, 1992, to Jon & Karen (Lawrence) Arnold.
Although born with physical challenges, Lauren brought love and light into the world and lived each day to its fullest. One of her famous Bear hugs could brighten anyone's day. She loved her Elmo toys, Hula Hoops and Truck Trader Magazines. She enjoyed watching Football and American Idol and was mesmerized by the bright lights and loud music on the carnival midway. Lauren had an extensive support system of family and friends whose lives she touched profoundly. Without speaking a single word, she taught everyone whose path she crossed about the true meaning of resiliency and unconditional love. The mischievous twinkle in her eyes along with her silly little laugh melted many hearts in her short time here on earth. There is deep comfort knowing that she now runs and plays freely in heaven above, pain-free, and without any physical limitations.
Lauren is survived by her parents: Jon and Karen Arnold, siblings: Alex (Chané) Arnold, and Jillian Arnold, nieces: Amelia and Charlie Arnold, and Emersyn Arnold-Thorn, Nephew; Colton Dunn, Uncle; Tom Arnold, Aunts: Sandy (Arnold) Schmidt, Kelley (Lawrence) Myers, and Ellen Snyder, Cousins: Josh (Hannah) Schmidt, Kyle Schmidt, Olivia (Mike) Bray, Joey (Ashley) Weaver, and Victoria (Drew) Norvell, second cousins: Marley, Harper, Jemma, and Quinn Schmidt, Chloe and Thompson Schmidt, Ayden, Angie, and Adalyn Bray, MJ, Scarlett, and Lila Norvell, Grandparents: Art and Barbara Pokorny, Very Special Caregiver: Christina Harrison and her children, Oliviah, Keagan, and Katelynn. She was preceded in death by Grandparents; Ivan and Agnes Arnold, and Robert Lawrence, Uncles: Terry Schmidt, and Rob Lawrence.
Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com . The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Alma, Michigan.
To order memorial trees in memory of Lauren Ashley Arnold, please visit our tree store.
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