Bernita Joyce Lawrence
March 14, 1936 ~ July 20, 2024
Bernita Joyce Lawrence passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the age of 88. She was born on March 14, 1936, in Nashville, Kansas, to William and Ruby Klinkerman. She devoted her life to caring for others, both professionally as a Registered Nurse and personally as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Her kind heart, unwavering support and warm smile touched the lives of many. Through the years she was involved with service to others as a Registered Nurse, 4-H leader, Parish Nurse, and School Nurse at Skyline Schools for 22 years. She also attended served as a member of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Stephen’s Ministry, and many quilt groups including the Apple Patch Quilters. She married Elwood Lawrence on September 29, 1957. Together they had 3 daughters, Carla, Debra, and Lisa, who they raised in Pratt, Kansas. They were married for 56 years until his death in 2013. They loved traveling across the United States with her three sisters and brothers-in-law on many fun-filled adventures. Bernita was preceded in death by her husband, Elwood Lawrence; parents, William and Ruby Klinkerman. She is survived by her daughters, Carla and P.K. Lippoldt of Andover, KS, Debbie and Doug Hullman of Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Lisa and Scott Sowers of Cheney, KS; grandchildren, Megan and Shannon Garr of Goodyear, AZ, Kaitlyn Anderson of Hilversum, The Netherlands, Erica Hullman of Alameda, CA, Danielle and Brandon Roegner of Portland, OR, Levi Lawrence-Brown of Greenville, TX, Lexi Lawrence of Wichita, KS, Macy Hullman of Phoenix, AZ and Kinsey Hullman of Boise, Idaho; seven bonus grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Lawana Martin, Sherrill and Tom Ebben, Carolyn and Keith Clarke; brother, Steve Klinkerman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Friday, July 26, 2024, at Ascension Lutheran Church, Wichita, followed by graveside service at Saint John Cemetery in Nashville, KS. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel. Memorials have been established with Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N. Tyler Rd, Wichita, KS 67212, and Skyline School Foundation, 20269 W. Hwy 54, Pratt, KS. 67124.
Services will be live streamed through the church's youtube page, click the link below.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I spoke recently to a friend who has very little extended family. Lucky for him he does not lose too many people in his life. I thought well that maybe makes death easier if you have little people whom you love. I would take the opposite. Bernita is the first aunt I have lost and it hurts. However I am so grateful to have so many memories of her and our family. I will always be grateful to her that she was at the hospital when my mother, her sister Sherrill, had open heart surgery. I was so upset seeing my mom after surgery still intubated. Bernita was there. She was present. She held me and hugged me and said my mom was going to be okay. I am forever grateful for her strength at that time and for being a fill in mother I needed at that time. I will always remember our wonderful visits to visit her at her home in Pratt and all the fun times I had with my cousins. I will miss you sweet Bernita. I love you. Angie- your niece.
Bernita was not only a first class nurse but also a first class quilter. She was one of the original members of the Apple Patch Quilters, which began with Skyline teachers in the 1990’s, I believe. The group met twice a month to start with, meeting in each others’ homes to learn about quilting techniques. Lots and lots of quilts and memories were made, not to mention lifetime friendships.
So many words to describe you, Grandma – brave, smart, kind, nurturing, funny – what a full and beautiful life you lived. Your calm nature and natural ability as a nurse were always helpful when we got into trouble at the house in Pratt (!) & celebrating Christmas and other holidays there are memories I will never forget. We were beyond lucky to have you as our grandma. I hope you’re playing cards with grandpa in heaven, I miss you already ❤️