Patsy “Pat” R. Laws

Funeral services for Patsy “Pat” R. Laws, 89, Lawrence, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 11, 2023, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence with a visitation starting at 1:00 p.m.  Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery in Clinton, KS.  Pat passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. 

Pat was born on April 25, 1934, in Van Buren, AR, the daughter of William and Gretchen (Mann) Butler. 

She was a Court Clerk for the District Court of Douglas County until she retired in 1993. 

She married Donald Dean Laws on March 10, 1990, in Lawrence.  He preceded her in death on November 8, 1992. 

Survivors include her children, Vicki (Marion) Johnson, David (Rachael Pirner) Gantenbein,  five grandchildren, Tyler (Ashley Weaver) Hartpence, Connor (Stephanie) Hartpence, Logan (Julia Szilvas) Hartpence, Dawson (Hallee) Gantenbein, Aidan Gantenbein, three great-grandchildren, Jack Hartpence and Carter and Amelia Hartpence, a sister, Betty Cook and many nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Burl Butler, Gayle Butler, John Butler, Leon Butler, Mary Bromley, and Edith Montgomery. 

The family suggests memorials in Pat’s name to St. Croix Hospice or Just Food and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. 

14 Condolences

  1. Ange Amon on September 6, 2023 at 11:48 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love to you



  2. Candace Dettbarn on September 6, 2023 at 11:58 am

    So sorry for your loss. Remember all the good times and memories.



  3. Dianna Keller on September 6, 2023 at 12:14 pm

    Pat was a Great neighbor,very caring and thoughtful and kind.She loved her family and adored her Grandkids and Great Grandkids. You are forever in our hearts.

    Danny & Dianna Keller



  4. Tom Galyardt on September 6, 2023 at 2:45 pm

    David so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a sweet person. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family v



  5. Mary Jane Church on September 6, 2023 at 9:14 pm

    Vickie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs…



  6. Paula Meyers on September 7, 2023 at 7:19 pm

    The Studebakers, Meyers, Boehnke’s, and Kucza’s send their condolences. Our parents spent great times with Pat over many years,



  7. Rick and Lorie Sawyer on September 7, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    To Vicki, Tyler, Connor, Logan and families –
    We are so sorry to hear about Grandma Pat! She was always so sweet to Rick and I whenever we had the pleasure to see her. I know you all will miss her. May the memories you made along the way soften the loss and bring you moments of peace. Bless you all during this difficult time! Hugs to you all!



  8. Gary Scott on September 8, 2023 at 7:51 am

    Vicki and family, so sorry for your loss.



  9. Robin Starling on September 10, 2023 at 5:45 am

    Vicki I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.



  10. Kathy Rosencrants Jalali on September 10, 2023 at 10:52 pm

    To Pat’s Family, I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I know Pat from our days at Central Middle School and the fun times we had. Many times she would get all of us ladies together to go to the “boats” and then do dinner. We had so many laughs, what great memories. Fly high sweet lady and god bless your family.



  11. Elaine Horton on September 11, 2023 at 2:54 pm

    To Pat’s family, I was so saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. I knew Pat from church and I was in a Bible Study group with her for several years. She was always very sweet and very supportive. I know how much she loved her children and their families. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God’s never ending love to Pat and the family



  12. Jill Schaake-Morgison and Mark Schaake on September 12, 2023 at 12:07 pm

    Vicky and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all.



  13. April Dixon on September 19, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    On behalf of my mother, who passed away last winter, I just want to write what a wonderful friend Pat was. My mother, Theodora Dixon, and Pat went to many City Band concerts together, would meet fir lunches, would enjoy a treat at Dairy Queen, and had a very nice friendship. When Theodora was in the nursing home, Pat would visit her regularly, and this was deeply appreciated by Mother. Pat was a very good and thoughtful friend.



  14. Michelle Lynn on October 2, 2023 at 3:03 am

    I enjoyed taking care of both Pat and Theo, Theo loved her hymns, and Pat was fun to tease. Glad i had a chance to meet you and your brothers Vicki. Best to each of you !
    Michelle Lpn



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