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Elizabeth Louise “Betty Lou” Lawrence of Sigel, Illinois passed away peacefully Thursday, October 15, 2026 at the Heartland Senior Living, Neoga, Illinois. She was born March 31,1939 in Trilla, Illinois daughter of Paul and Florence (Schafer) Kline. She married Raymond Lawrence on August 12, 1961 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Trowbridge, Illinois. Betty worked as a nurse’s aide at Lakeland Nursing Home and St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 2001. She volunteered at The Cross at the Crossroads in Effingham, Illinois as a greeter. She also volunteered as a classroom helper at St. Michael School, Sigel. Betty enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and embroidering. She had a green thumb and could grow anything. Betty grew her own geraniums from starts and cherished her African Violets. You could often find a Christmas poinsettia blooming in her home in July. Betty made the best fried chicken and chocolate meringue pie. Throughout her life Betty found great strength in her faith, she carried her cross with poise and grace helping others along the way.
Betty is survived by her husband of 65 years Raymond Lawrence; daughters, Lavonne (Alan) Probst of Wheeler, Illinois and Lisa (Jeff) Probst of Sigel, Illinois; grandchildren, Jenna Probst, Stacey (Brett) Probst, Tyler Probst, Jessica Probst, Andrew (Sarah) Probst, Rachel (Henry) Volk, Paul (Callie) Probst, Emily (Leo Weber) Probst; great-granddaughters, Lainey Probst, Annie Probst, Ruby Volk, and Emma Probst, baby Volk due in March; sister, Christine (Roger) Burgess, sisters-in-law, Marcella Vogt and Shirley (Jerry Siewert) Lawrence Siewert; several nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Kenneth, Eugene Kline, and infant brother James Kline; brothers-in-law Donald Lawrence and Paul Vogt, grandson Anthony “Tony” Probst.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the St. Michael School, Sigel.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 19, 2026 from 4-7 PM with a 6:30 Rosary Service at the Swengel-O’Dell Funeral Home 520 Oak Ave. Neoga, Illinois. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church 200 Church Street Sigel, Illinois. Burial will follow in the St. Michael Cemetery, Sigel, Illinois.
Online condolences may be made at www.swengel-odell.com
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