Ardis Anna (Reed) Lawrence

Ardis Anna (Reed) Lawrence, 97, of Brook died May 20, 2023 on the Reed family farm. She was born January 5, 1926 to Glenn L. and Margaret (Jayne) Reed also on the Reed family farm. Her family lived in Fowler when Ardis was young and moved to the Reed Farm South of Brook by the time she was 14.

Ardis was valedictorian of Goodland High School, class of 1944 and then attended IU in Bloomington for 1 year.  She then took a break to marry the love of her life, Gaylord “Gay” Lawrence, who survives. They married April 28, 1946.

Five children were born to Ardis and Gay. John “Jack” (Peg), David (Mary), Marilyn (Mike) Ignotowicz, Bob (Maria), and Linda (Dana) Weiss. One son was lost at birth.

When her youngest child was a toddler, Ardis returned to college and graduated cum laude from Saint Joseph’s College, earning her a bachelor’s degree in education. Ardis taught 2nd and 4th grade at Brook and Goodland grade schools from 1965 to 1987.

Ardis was an active member of the Brook United Methodist Church. Gay and Ardis were youth counselors when they were first married. Ardis was the head of missions for many years and was active in the UMW. She sang in the choir, played the piano and organ for church services, and also played accompaniment for church services at George Ade Nursing Home. Ardis was instrumental in designing the kitchen for the church addition, Hathoway Hall.

She liked to sew and made quilts for her 10 grandchildren. Brooke (Lyle) Smart, Christopher (Haley) Lawrence, Seth (Dana) Lawrence, Colin Lawrence, Patrick (Jamie) Funk, Brandon (Katie) Funk, Ryan (Kristin) Lawrence, Sheryl (Marcel) Gonclaves, Blake Weiss, and Megan Weiss. She was also a proud great-grandmother of 12.

Ardis was preceded in death by son, John “Jack” Lawrence, great-granddaughter, Hazel Smart, and one son who died at birth.

Ardis loved her family and hosted many family reunions. She also enjoyed bird watching and gardening. Ardis was a blessing to her family and many friends. She was a role model to many and will be missed greatly.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 from 5-7pm (CST) and funeral service will be Saturday at 12:30pm (CST), May 27, 2023 all will be at Brook United Methodist Church with Pastor Matt Baughman officiating.  Procession will follow to Riverside Cemetery for committal.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse or Brook United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Brook Chapel, 129 E. Main St., Brook, IN  47922.  (219) 275-6161.  www.kellerfh.com