April 6, 2011

Iona Lawlar

Funeral services for Iona M. Lawlar, 86, of Watford City, N.D., will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Watford City, N.D., on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Adrian Timmons will officiate, and interment will be at Schafer Cemetery.
Iona Mae Hastings was born on the family homestead northwest of Keene, N.D., on Jan. 17, 1925, the ninth of ten children, to Bert and Dolly (Brunk) Hastings. She was raised on the family farm for a time, and attended rural elementary school. Later, the family moved into Watford City and Iona graduated from Watford City High School. She was united in marriage to Richard A. Lawlar on the Lawlar ranch on Oct. 30, 1941. To this union, four children were born. For a time, Iona and Richard pursued work in Colorado and later Hastings, Neb., before returning to the Lawlar Ranch northwest of Watford City, N.D. Here they farmed and ranched and raised their family.
After the children were raised, Iona began working out of the home at Mabel’s Café and later Larsen Drug. Her love of people kept her going for nearly 45 years, waiting on and visiting with her customers was the highlight of her day.
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and when she was younger, enjoyed bowling in Watford City’s Women’s bowling league.
Iona died at the McKenzie County Memorial Hospital on Saturday, April 2, 2011.
She is survived by her three children and their families: Sandra Schell, Andrea Lawlar and Rick and (Shirlene) Lawlar, all of Watford City; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Doris Dahl, of Watford City, and June Copple, of Sheridan, Wyo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard, in April of 1980; daughter, Eloise Harmon; four grandchildren, Eloise Schell, Johnnie Royle, and twins, Daryl and Duane Leiseth; one great-grandson, TJ McCluer; three brothers, Arnold, Lawrence, and Claude; and four sisters, Edessie, Ruby, Margaret and Lettie.
Friends may call at the church one hour before services on Wednesday. Friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER