Dorothy Ruth (French) Lawrence |
| Posted 2009-07-06 by Pat Wilson |
| The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona October 20, 2004 Dorothy Ruth Lawrence was born in Chapman, Nebraska on May 20, 1913. Her parents, Lewis Clayton French and Emma Jean Holben French, had an older daughter and son. The family moved to Santa Ana, California, in the early 1920's where they resided several years. Dorothy then moved with her parents to Sedalia, Missouri, where she graduated from high school. Returning to Santa Ana, Dorothy soon met Harold Earnest Lawrence of Tustin. Love struck. Harold and Dorothy traveled to Bisbee, Arizona, and were married in early 1934. Word has it that Harold owned a twenty-four hour bowling alley in Bisbee where the miners could meet after shift. Harold and Dorothy were successful with their business endeavors. As time passed, Dorothy opened a women's clothing store, too. Their enterprise took them on to Globe and to Miami, Arizona, where Dorothy also had apparel shops. Harold had a five-and-dime. Not all work, Harold and Dorothy were known as a couple who loved music and danced together very well. Harold played a lovely piano to entertain Dorothy and close friends. The early 1950's saw the Lawrences make a move to Mesa where they first had a home on South Miller and Margo's apparel shop on Main Street. Mesa was to be their home for retirement, as well. In the mid 1970's, Dorothy closed her store and they moved into a new neighborhood by a golf course for the retirement years. More new friends were made. Harold's health disappointed their dreams and took him away in the early 1980's. Dorothy continued in her home as a strong widow, very in charge of her affairs. In her neighborhood she was recognized for her spirit and wisdom by her younger neighbors. As the years went by, until early 2004, Dorothy was regularly seen walking her Pekingese about the neighborhood. Her final months were spent at Liberty Care in Gilbert, where she was lovingly pampered. Her death came Friday, October 8, 2004. Services were held for Dorothy on Friday, October 15, 2004, at Mesa City Cemetery where she is resting beside Harold. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley or to any children's fund. See Also: Mesa City Cemetery |
Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.
Questions About This Project?