Ora Lawrence

Ora Kathryn Lawrence (you probably knew her as Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Great-Great Grandma or Aunt Ora) answered the call of eternal life Oct. 18, 2015, after a long struggle with dementia. Her humble and sweet spirit is carried on by her remaining two sons, Lloyd and Robert; her sister Velma; her loving daughters-in-law, Catherine, Terry and Charleen; 15 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; and extended family and friends from all parts of the country -- too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Ora, born in 1925 to Charles and Rosa Simmons, was raised in Missouri. From day one, family was Ora's passion. On Dec. 24, 1941, Ora married Charles "Charlie" Lawrence, the only boy smart enough, in her opinion, not to roll his pants up when walking with a girl. They had many adventures during their marriage, including moving to Boise in the 1950s to work in the logging industry.

Ora was many things in her life. She was a mother who wholeheartedly threw herself into raising four rambunctious children and an open door and safe haven for all her nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She was a dedicated Sunday school teacher at Highlands Baptist Church and a music lover, often humming songs to herself. She was a Yahtzee and dominoes master and a chef whose specialty was elk steak.

Most of all, she was a teacher. In her 90 years of life, she passed on so much wisdom: Stop to smell the lilacs. There's always room for a little something sweet. Focus on the best qualities in other people. Be grateful for what you have. Give freely because life is better shared with others. Love your family no matter what.

Ora is reunited in Heaven with her loving husband, favorite camping buddy and soul mate, Charles Lawrence; her daughter Gladys Duggan; and her son James Lawrence. They will be singing in harmony for the rest of eternity.

Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel in Boise.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel in Boise to celebrate her life. Interment will be at Dry Creek Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Boise Operations LLC for their tender care of Ora during her final years of life. If desired, donations can be made for dementia and Alzheimer's research.

She leaves us rich in memories.