Evelyn Lawson

Isabelle Evelyn (Lord) Lawson, formerly of Mountain Grove, died peacefully on January 23, 2022.

Evelyn was born October 23, 1922, in Lay, Colorado. She grew up in Baggs, Wyoming as part of a large family. At age 13, after her father’s death, she moved to a local ranch where she was welcomed into the family. She cooked and cleaned for the household including many ranch hands.

Upon graduation from Baggs High School in the class of 1940, she moved to Rawlins, Wyoming, where she met and married Woodrow Lawson. They lived in Rawlins raising their family of five boys until 1966. Life’s events brought the family to Mountain Grove, Missouri, the boyhood home of Woodrow.

Evelyn kept busy on the farm, as well as being a member of multiple organizations including the Democratic Women’s Club, Town and Country-Missouri Extension Club, BPW, and Unique Services. For many years she was on the board of Hi-Fy-Mo, treasurer of the United Way, and managed Hopkins Cemetery. She loved dressing as Mrs. Santa Claus each year to hand out gifts at Unique Services. She sewed many hats for cancer patients, lap robes for veterans, and gave to anyone in need. For her service to others, she received many awards over the years including “BPW Woman of the Year”, and “Wright County Volunteer of the Year.” She was also a candidate for State Representative receiving more votes than any previous Democratic candidate.

Evelyn will be deeply missed by her sons, Woodrow, Leroy (Shirley), Ted, David (Cindy) and Stanley (Cathy), her sisters, Mary Tschiffely, Joan Norris, and Peggy Stevenson, and brothers, Jack Lord and George (Bunnie) Lord. Also by her grandchildren, Brian, Justin, Martin, Evelyn, Adam, Paul, and Elsie, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to Salvation Army as Evelyn always appreciated the assistance they gave to her mother.