Ruth Mary Lawrence

Ruth Mary (Johnson) Lawrence, age 86, of Indianapolis died peacefully on July 1, 2025.

Born February 8, 1939 in Tulsa, OK, Ruth was the youngest child of William and Selma Johnson. She graduated from the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville/Little Rock) at the top of her Nursing class in 1961 earning a Bachelor of Science degree.

It was also 1961 when Ruth married James (Jim) Lawrence, M.D. They spent 62 loving years together, sharing life’s highs and lows. During Jim’s internship training and Air Force service, Ruth worked as an R.N. in Cardiac Care in Tulsa, OK and Oklahoma City, OK.

After a move to Indianapolis, IN her natural caring instincts served her well as a stay-at-home mom while raising 3 children. Ruth could often be found at her children’s schools serving as Room Mom, P.T.A. President, and a member of the Athletic and Band Booster Clubs. Ruth also shared her time and talents with numerous civic organizations during her lifetime including: Tri Delta Sorority; Tri Kappa Service Sorority; Crossroads; Children’s Bureau; and Day Nursery.

As a breast cancer survivor, Ruth’s desire to “take action” led to her spearheading the first Vera Bradley Golf Fore a Cure at the Country Club of Indianapolis. This yearly event raised awareness and funds for a cause close to Ruth’s heart and provided a sense of Hope for those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.

Ruth dearly loved her family and her generous influence on their lives will be forever felt. She is survived by daughter, Johanna (Gery) Kissel; son, David (Karen) Lawrence; brother, Robert Johnson; six grandchildren, Morgan Lawrence; Madison (Jacob) White; Halley and Corinne Kissel; Brooke and Kate Lawrence; and three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, James, and Jack White. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Selma Johnson; brother, William Johnson, Jr.; husband, James Lawrence, M.D.; and son, James Lawrence, Jr.

The family wishes to thank the many caregivers at Hoosier Village and AsceraCare Hospice for their compassion and support.

Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 17th at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis. A celebration of life service will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer or the Alzheimer’s Association.