Rosetta Lawson
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Memorial services for Rosetta M. “Rose” Johnson Lawson, 81, Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. She died Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at her home.
Rose was born on March 18, 1932 in Burlington, KS the daughter of Howard A. and Ruth L. (Howard) Johnson.
She married Robert “Gene” Lawson on February 14, 1953 in Eureka Springs, AR. He preceded her in death March 23, 1986.
They lived in Alaska from 1957 to 1971. After moving to Lawrence in 1971 Rose and Gene operated the Kerr McGee gas station at 9th & Illinois until 1981. She then worked in concessions at the University of Kansas until she retired in 1996.
After retiring, Rose continued to help at the KU football and basketball games. She was a volunteer at the Lawrence Visitor’s Center and an usher at the Lied Center of Kansas where she was the volunteer of the year in 2012 and the award was named in her honor. She was the recipient of the Phoenix Award in 2011.
In her spare time she enjoyed gambling, yard work and baking.
Survivors include one daughter, Regina “Gina” Santaularia, Colorado Springs, CO; one son, Barry Lawson, Olathe, KS; five grandchildren, Peter, Christopher, Nicholas, Alexandra, Matthew; two great grandchildren, Brayden Grae, Gianna; three sisters, Luella Malloy, Wichita, KS, Elizabeth McGee, Burlington, KS, Darlene Smith, Westphalia, KS; and one brother, Howard A. Johnson, Wichita, KS. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and one son, Brian Lawson on December 10, 1960.
The family suggests memorials in her name to the Education Fund at the Lied Center of Kansas, 1600 Stewart Dr., Lawrence, KS 66045 or may be sent in care of the mortuary.
We will so miss Rose here at the Lied Center. Rose was on my mind all of last week as we had thousands of K-2nd graders in to see a school performance. Rose was a CHAMPION when it came to helping these schools get seated safely and very efficiently and always with a smile and a joke for the other ushers. She will be deeply missed but always thought of as the kids come walking up the sidewalk and into our center. Peace and love to you Rose!
Rosie, I am so glad I was able to talk to you last week. Thank you for being a part of my life. You were like a grandmother to me and I will miss you. Love you, Rosie!
It was a fine pleasure to know Rose. She opened her home to me when I began working at the Lied Center in 1999 – she introduced me to Lawrence and so many wonderful people. How I enjoyed learning how to make the best lemon meringue pie and peanut brittle from you! Rest in Peace dear friend.
Barry and Gina: I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a great lady. And such a hardworker. The last time I saw her was the weekend of our 25th high school reunion. Rob and I stopped by to visit totally unannounced and she acted like she had just seen me the week before and welcomed us into your home. We want to extend our condolences and let you know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
I counted Rose a special friend; no matter how long it was between seeing each other, she still had that special chat time and big smile! Our time as next door neighbors were special. My deepest sympathy to you all!
Remember those good times!
Rose had such a great character. I enjoyed her sooo much and will definately miss her. God Bless you all.
Barry and Gina-
I was sad to read about your mom in the paper. What a wonderful person. Serious and hardworking but always ready to laugh about something. I would see her around town and she was so proud of both of you. I am sorry for your loss and am thinking of you.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss of such an amazing mother and grandmother. We were so happy to have met her and wish you the best during this time. Hope to see you soon. Miss you all!
My sincerest sympathy goes out to the friends and family of Rose. It is such a difficult thing to deal with. As time goes by, you will begin to realize that as you think of her smiles, her love of his family, her laughter, the pain will have diminished a bit and you’ll find yourself smiling again. I didn’t know her personally but, having lost someone dear to me, I can empathize with the pain you are experiencing. What comfort such scriptures as John 5:28,29 brought me! You will read there about the promise Jesus gave of resurrecting our loved ones back to life. When he resurrected His friend Lazarus back to life ( John 11:38-44 ) He showed his ability and desire to fulfill that promise. Can you just imagine the joy Lazarus’ sisters felt when they held him in their arms once again? This joy we too will feel in the very near future. Until that day comes, we have the promise that God will draw close to those whose hearts have been broken ( Psalms 34:18 ) I truly hope these few scriptures have helped lessen the pain you feel as they had mine.