Bethelene A. “Betty” Lawrence, 94, a lifelong Whitley County resident, died at 3:16 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 at Miller’s at Oak Pointe where she had been a resident since February 2014.

She was born April 6, 1921 in Whitley County, Indiana a daughter of George Cecil and Gladys Fern (Traster) Crawford. Her formative years were spent in Union Township. She graduated from Coesse High School.

On Feb. 24, 1940 she was united in marriage to Harold E. Lawrence. They always made their home in Columbia Township. Mr. Lawrence died June 6, 2007.

She was employed at Essex for 17 years.

Her memberships included Oak Grove Church of God.

Surviving relatives include three children, Linda (Robert) Sutton of Columbia City, David Lawrence of Columbia City and Joyce (Michael) Long of Larwill; seven grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; a great great grandson; and four siblings, Donnabelle Comer of Fort Wayne, Mary Lou Pittenger Lehman of Columbia City, Dick Crawford of Columbia City and John Crawford of Zellwood.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by five siblings, Phil Crawford, Jack Crawford, Gerald Crawford, Cecil Crawford Jr. and Dot Cox.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Oak Grove Church of God.