Ruby Darlene Lawyer

Ruby “Darlene” Lawyer, 91, of Industry, passed away and went to her Heavenly home at 4:50 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023 at The Elms. She was born on June 19, 1932 in Winnipeg, Missouri to Merrit Leo and Mabel (Stockton) Rowland. She married Keith Lawyer on September 16, 1950. Keith preceded her in death as did her parents, four brothers, one sister and a son (Gerald Keith Lawyer) in infancy.
Darlene is survived by three daughters, Vicky Shepler of Colchester, Kathy Lawyer of Industry, Peggy Lawyer of Lewisville, TX; and a son, Gene (Laura) Lawyer of Grand Junction, CO; four grandchildren, Dallas (Kylee) Lawyer of Grand Junction, CO, Rachael (Ron) Snow of Ooltewah, TN, Dylan (Kara) Dunlap of Perry, GA, Kristina (Cory) Massey of Grand Junction, CO and one great grandson, Conrad Massey. She is also survived by one sister, Lorene Huffman of San Tan Valley, AZ and many nieces and nephews.
Darlene’s family moved a lot when she was a child. They moved to the Industry area in 1948, and there she finished her junior and senior high school years, graduating in June of 1950. After graduation, she began working as a telephone operator, at a time when there were party lines. She worked with her husband’s uncle and his brother in their appliance store and began taking in laundry and ironing. She cleaned the Masonic Lodge, Dr. Andernovic’s office and Industry State Bank for several years. While her kids were in school, Darlene did bookkeeping for Hugh Burnham and assisted him with plumbing, heating and a/c. She helped him install furnaces. Darlene sold Avon for several years earning many sales awards. She worked for 10 years at Farm King Supply where she retired at the age of 72.
After getting married, Darlene and her husband accepted Jesus as their personal savior at Macomb Assembly of God Church. When the pastor of that church wanted to plant a church in Industry, he asked Darlene and Keith to move their membership to Industry. Darlene served the Industry church as the Superintendent of Sunday School, Cradle Roll and the nursery; she served as a Sunday school teacher and helped with the youth accompanying them on many field trips to Six Flags and other overnight adventures. Darlene was the first female board member of her church. She loved serving and loved the people that became like family to her. She also served on the Vance Cemetery Board for many years.
Darlene loved her family and serving the lord. She liked to read, especially, devotions and would pray for friends and family daily. She also enjoyed gardening, her beautiful flowers, sewing, crafting and quilting.
Darlene lived at the Everly House in Macomb for 3 years. The residents and staff became like family. She spent the last year of her life at The Elms. We appreciate the support and love she received from the Everly House and The Elms. We also thank MDH Hospice for their care the last month of Darlene’s life.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 21 at Industry Assembly with Pastor Jon Keck officiating. Burial will be at Industry Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 20 at the Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb. 
Memorials may be made to Industry Assembly, the Everly House or MDH Hospice.
You may leave condolences and sign the book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
 

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