Wilma Lawson
1926 — 2016
Wilma “Jean” Lawson, 90, of Grand Island died Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Good Samaritan Village in Grand Island.
Celebration of Life services were held Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in the Sanctuary. Visitation was held prior to the service.
Rev. Michael Reiners and Rodney Armon officiated. Private family burial will be held in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date to be announced.
To honor Jean’s wishes cremation was chosen.
All Faiths Funeral Home is serving the family.
*****
Jean was born on March 31, 1926 in Pawhuska, OK, daughter of William and Mary (Niewohner) Nelson.
She grew up and attended school in Norfolk, NE graduating in 1944.
Following High School, she attended Junior College.
Jean was united in marriage to Ralph Lawson from Elgin, NE on December 27, 1953 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Norfolk, NE.
Jean was the bookkeeper and secretary for the family business, Lawson Communications, in Grand Island, NE.
The family then moved to Ogallala, NE where Jean was employed for over 15 years as the secretary for the Keith County Veteran’s Service Office.
For the last 20 years, she and her husband, Ralph, have resided in Grand Island to be near family.
While living in Ogallala, Jean loved boating and camping at Lake McConaughy.
For the last 20 years, Jean and Ralph have enjoyed wintering in South Padre Island, TX where Jean loved to walk the beach and find seashells.
Jean recently celebrated her 90th birthday with all of her family, dear friends, and neighbors.
She has been a member of Peace Lutheran Church for over 20 years.
Jean is survived by her husband, Ralph, of Grand Island. She is also survived by her children: Mark Lawson of Grand Island, Pete (Ornuma) Lawson of Woodbridge, VA, Terri Faulder of Lincoln, NE, Jill Lawson of Seoul, South Korea, Lynne (Tom) Werner of Grand Island, and Karen (Brooks) Rarden of Centennial, CO.
She loved and was especially proud of all of her grandchildren which includes Grant Faulder, Jordan Faulder, Adam Werner, Jane Werner, Elliott Rarden, Emma Rarden and Vincent Vest.
She is also survived by her sister, Diana (Lynn) Hoepfinger of Ludington MI, sister-in laws, Phyllis Kinney of Elgin, NE and Marion Gilsdorf of Norfolk, NE.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, sister Betty Lea Stratton and son-in-law, Chuck Faulder.
Memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Church.
Words of comfort and kindness may be left for the family at www.giallfaiths.com
