Patricia L. Lawrence, a lifelong resident of Marion, died Saturday afternoon, May 9, 2015, at the OSU James Cancer Hospital following a several month battle with cancer.
Born in Marion, Ohio, Pat was one eight children of the late James and Harriett (Elliott) Henry. She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the class of 1953.
For many years, Pat worked in customer service at the National City Bank until she retired in 1980.
Shortly before retiring, Pat got another chance at love, marrying Joseph Lawrence in 1978. Each of their families quickly bonded and came together forming a much larger and loving family unit, based on the examples she set forth. They shared over 30 years of marriage. He preceded her in death in 2009.
A woman of faith, Pat was a member of the Salem Evangelical Church. She also was an active volunteer for the Marion General Hospital, and she remained extremely close with her graduating class…often having breakfast and participating in the Christmas Clearinghouse program together.
Never feeling or acting her age, Pat had a great sense of humor with countless funny sayings letting you know how young she always felt in her heart.
Having an open heart and an open door, everyone was always welcome in Pat’s home. She was an unofficial “Mom” and “Grandma” to many, because she treated everyone like family. She truly cherished every moment spent with her beloved family and friends. One of a kind, there will never be another Pat Lawrence.
She will be dearly missed by her two daughters: Pam (Dave) Smith of Edison, and Debbie (Doug) Stevens of Marion; three step sons: Steve (Jeri) Lawrence, Bruce (Leah) Lawrence, both of Marion, and Matt (Rhonda) Lawrence of Worthington; 16 grandchildren: Bria (Scott) Cline, Jacque Jones, Cara Stevens, Ben Stevens, Elizabeth (Austin) Sullivan, Kelsey Stevens, Jill (Clay) Franklin, Danny Lawrence, Lindsay (Sam) Criswell, Josh Lawrence, Caden Lawrence, Alex Lawrence, Jacob Lawrence, Jessie Lawrence, Tiffany (Kirk) Wade, and Drew (Jennifer) Smith; 13 great-grandchildren; two siblings: Marlene (Budd) Meyer and Ed (Linnea) Velasquez. She is also survived by Pam Snyder, whom she considered a daughter, and her forever friend, Patty Barr. She will be dearly missed by many more family and friends.
Including her husband and parents, Pat was preceded in death by a step-son, David Lawrence; four brothers: Keith, Skip, Sonny and James Henry Sr.; a sister, Sonja Henry; a grandson, Jeff Lawrence; and former husband, Jack Butterman.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, at the Salem Evangelical Church (address below), with Pastor Pat Street and Pastor Scott Cline officiating. Burial will follow in Claridon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Evangelical Church, 232 E. Church St., Marion, OH 43302, or to the OSU James Cancer and Research Hospital, 660 Ackerman Rd., 6th Floor, PO Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218-3112.
On behalf of Pat’s family, they would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of the caring staff at the James Cancer Hospital for the great care they took of her.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Pat’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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