Ruth Jean Lawrence, 85, went to join her Lord August 22, 2016. Preceding her were husband, William M. Lawrence, parents Robert (Shorty) and Susan Mackall and brothers Robert and Richard (Dickie) Mackall and infant son, Richard (Dickie) Lawrence, all of Berea, Ohio.
Ruth and Bill were married in 1949 and had three children, William R., Dickie, who died in infancy, and Rita. They were happily married for 52 years until Bill’s death in 2001. They dearly loved grandchildren Justin and Jamie. After Bill’s death, great granddaughter Kaelyn became Ruth’s joy.
Ruth is survived by son, Bill (Kim) Lawrence of Stevensville, daughter Rita (Joe Monfort, deceased) Lawrence, grandson Justin (Bernadette) Lawrence and their daughter, Kaelyn of Clinton, and granddaughter Jamie (Marc Taerea) Lawrence of Missoula.
Ruth was a multi-talented woman. She sewed spectacular wedding dresses, gowns for pageants, costumes for recitals and twirling competitions. She sang in many choirs, in community musical theater, for weddings and funerals. She entertained at nursing homes. She line danced and rollerskated. She was a great waitress. But her best talent was her gift for friendship. Ruth tried to make friends with everyone she met. She almost always succeeded and managed to make most of those friendships last her whole life long.
Ruth said she had enjoyed her life to the fullest. She did everything she ever really wanted to do. If she missed something, it must not have been very important. She had a wonderful life.
Ruth’s funeral was held in suburban Cleveland on September 3 and she was buried beside her husband. A memorial service will be held for friends and relatives who could not attend the funeral at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 184 Pine Hollow Road, Stevensville, on Friday, September 23rd at 7 p.m.