Gertrude Lawson,97, died December 7th after a brief illness. Preceding her in death were Lawrence Lawson (husband), Mike Lawson (son), her mother and father Roy and Grace Turner Lowe, step brother Kenneth Lowe, brothers Harold, Eugene (Mike), Raymond, and Bill, a sister Dorothy (Sis) Spinner, nephews Chris and Ronnie Lowe, Jerry Spinner and nieces Ritchey Lowe and Carol Jo Anne McKnight.
Gertrude is survived by children Larry (Carolyn) Lawson of Kansas City Kansas, Nancy (Gary) Wells, Linda (Terry) Moutray, and brother Ronnie (Susan) Lowe all of St. Joseph. Additionally, Gertrude has 11 grandchildren: Amy Poe, Kelly (Doug) Curtis, Sarah (Pete) Villanueva; Alexis (Chris) Schafer and Eric (Ryan) and Laura Lawson; Brian and Brent (Maggie) Wells and Bridget (Brian) Jobes; Ryan (Janaya) and Aaron (Alex) Moutray. Gertrude has 16 great-grandchildren: Kellen and Harper Poe; Ella and Lance Curtis; Sophia and Nolan Villanueva; Kate and Clair Jobes; Harrison and Addie Wells; Josh, Skylar, Keller and Jackson Schafer; and Max and Olivia Lawson. Additionally, Gertrude has 1 great-great-grandchild Elliana Schafer.
Gertrude was a 1945 graduate of Lafayette High School and married Lawrence Lawson in 1947.
Gertrude owned and operated Gertrude Lawson Draperies for many years. She had worked with her sister Dorothy Spinner at the Spinner Drapery Shop, and bought the business after her sister died. Gertrude made custom drapes for many families in St Joe. Her seamstress expertise was expanded to many family needs like doll clothes, Halloween costumes, flower girl dresses, play performance costumes, tooth fairy pillows, infant quilts and school clothes. Additionally, she made vestments for the priests. Wherever there was a need, Gertrude was happy to grab a needle and thread.
Gertrude was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for many years, until she moved and became a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She was a member of the Sewing Circle there.
She was a very caring person and took every opportunity to help with baby-sitting, tending to the sick, financial support, and attending many school activities and sporting events.
Gertrude had a positive influence on many with her friendly smile, thoughtfulness, willingness to help and warm and caring personality. She was loved by many.
The rosary will be recited Thursday, December 12th, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, and visitation will be held from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, December 13th, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Joseph. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
