Obituaries
Her memorial service will be 11AM Thursday, December 12, 2019 at the Prophetstown United Methodist Church preceded by a memorial visitation from 9:30AM until the time of the service. Rev. Mark Meyers will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. Memorials can be directed to The Prophetstown United Methodist Church. The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Babe was born June 13, 1919 in Tampico Township, the daughter of Louis J. and Vera St. Clair (Draper) Peterson. She was the “Babe”…the youngest of ten children. The family moved to rural Prophetstown when she was a young girl. She attended West Hume Grade School, a one-room country schoolhouse east of Prophetstown. She later graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1937 where she was the President of her Senior Class. Babe married Hammond “Spin” Lawrence on January 28, 1939, in Clinton, IA. They lived their entire married life in Prophetstown. Babe worked at the “Sugar Bowl” restaurant in Prophetstown, and later at Fenn’s Drug Store. She was the secretary-receptionist-bookkeeper at Thermogas for years. Spin and Babe also operated the Dari-Delite during the late 50’s and early 60’s. They helped to build the Prophet Hills Country Club where they were charter members. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Prophetstown United Methodist Church. Babe lived a long, full and productive life, making friends where she went. She never knew a stranger and left a trail of strong friendships and good memories throughout her life.
Babe is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Kathy Lawrence of Rock Falls, IL. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Michele (Marc) Skinner of Prior Lake, MN; Nichole Lawrence of Traverse City, MI; and Derek Lawrence of Beulah, MI; five great-grandchildren, Henry and Harper Skinner, Cambrie Lawrence, Emily Lawrence, and Madison LaPorte.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hammond “Spin” in 1984, an infant daughter, Becky Sue in 1943, and a granddaughter, Stephanie Lawrence in 2016. She was also preceded by her siblings, Ona (Art) Howlett, Florence (Cyril) Bowen, Barbara (Orson) Bound, George (Ruby) Peterson, Clair (Jesse) Peterson, Wayne “Buddy” Peterson, Orris (Vivian) Peterson, Glenn (Inda) Peterson, and Darrell (Charlotte) Peterson.
To plant a tree in memory of Vera Lou "Babe" Lawrence, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Memorial Visitation
12
Dec
200 W. 2nd Street
Prophetstown, IL 61277
Memorial Service
12
Dec
200 W. 2nd Street
Prophetstown, IL 61277
Cemetery Details
Location
300 E. 3rd Street
Prophetstown, IL 61277