Barb Lawrence

Barb Lawrence, 83, of formerly of Fort Wayne and Coldwater, MI,, died Saturday June 14, 2025, in Winston-Salem, NC. Born Oct. 25, 1941, in Ligonier, IN, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Helen (Scranage) Botts. She always spoke fondly of her childhood growing up in Ligonier with her beloved brother, and she particularly enjoyed the friends she made during this time. She always loved attending regular high school reunions and keeping in touch with friends. On September 9, 1962, she married Ronald Lawrence from Knightstown, IN, whom she met at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Ron and Barb loved college life together and always amazed the family with humorous stories of living in married housing and buying their first place of their own for $1000 with a loan from their parents. Upon graduation, Barb and Ron settled on Elmbrook Dr. in Ft. Wayne, IN, to raise a family and pursue their careers. They enjoyed entertaining a large circle of dedicated, and what would become lifelong, friends, and were also surrounded by wonderful and helpful neighbors. During this time, they continued to enjoy being near the water by vacationing on Lake Wawasee with their children in the summer months, and later taking cruises to the islands with friends, as well as visiting the beaches of Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida, where their children were living. Barb and Ron always loved planning adventures together for the family, and they were a fantastic parenting team for Pat and Tim. Always as quick to show love and affection as they were to ground them when it was deserved. Barb was an English teacher, spending most of her career at Wayne High School in Ft Wayne. Over the years, she spearheaded many groups, including the speech and debate team and the yearbook. Regardless of the subject matter, Barb truly loved the students and enjoyed seeing them develop as individuals, keeping in touch with many of them as they grew into adulthood. One of her students became a police officer and gave Pat a warning instead of a ticket, saying, "Son, Mrs. Lawrence was my favorite teacher. Please tell her hello and thank you." Barb was the "cool" teacher, and her sons benefited. Upon entering high school, she prepared each of them to look as cool as possible, which meant, at the time, visiting Claire's at Glenbrook Mall to get a tasteful small hoop earring in the left ear, and growing their hair long in the back but leaving it short on top. She was ahead of her time; the word mullet had not even been invented, and it worked. Pat and Tim attracted many girlfriends and were very grateful. She loved them both dearly and unconditionally. A fabulous mother, supporting them in any way she could, through years of sports, band, schooling, and adult joys, trials, and tribulations, always with that loving presence and smile. Socially, Barb was always the life of the party, and there were many. She was playful, warm-hearted, smiling, supportive, and a patient listener. She also liked adventure, relished a good time, and had a quiet, wild side, as evidenced by her ability to handle a speedboat while pulling people. She cherished being part of the book club and adored any time she could spend with her many close girl friends: playing cards, shopping, dining, or manicures. She was an inspiration to all. Barb also enjoyed rallying the extended family and hosting wonderful reunions with Ron. She also inherited a sense of service from her lovely mother. Barb was a member of Tri Kappa, a champion blood donor, and she volunteered at Lakeland Rehab and Healthcare Center in Angola, IN, for many years. She was eventually nominated for Volunteer of the Year for the state of Indiana and won. Above all, Barb's love for her grandchildren, Jenna and Ty, was immense. She loved watching them grow, pursue interests, play sports, whether it was softball, volleyball, lacrosse, or soccer. And she marveled at what wonderful young adults they were becoming. She loved being in their company, hearing their stories, calling them on the phone, and being a friend. Barb is survived by her son, Pat (Martha) Lawrence of Winston-Salem, NC; sibling, Gary (Judy) Botts of Ft. Wayne, IN; and family (Jason and Erik); and grandchildren, Jenna and Ty Lawrence. Visitation will be Monday, June 23, 2025 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN. Graveside Services will be Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Sorter Cemetery, 592 Old US27, Coldwater, MI. For additional information, photos, or to sign the online guest book, go to http://www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barb's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or any dementia-related cause of your choosing.