Vivian Marie Lawson

Vivian Lawson was born September 22, 1923 near Dawson, Iowa. She was the second of three children born to Bill and Mable Van Dyke. She had an older brother, Roy, and younger sister Juanita. Vivian graduated from high school in Dexter in 1941 and after graduation worked at Drews Candy and the Dexter bank. In February, 1944, she married her high school sweetheart, Bob Lawson. They farmed south of Dexter until Bob retired. Bob and Vivian celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2014. Since Bob’s death, also in 2014, Vivian has lived in the Willows in Stuart. Vivian died on April 21, 2016. Bob and Vivian raised two children: Marilyn (Wes) Bode of Perry and Bruce (Dianna) Lawson of Chillicothe, Missouri. She was proud that both of their children graduated from college and went on to earn graduate degrees. Vivian worked for many years at the Brenton Bank in Dexter until her retirement. Bob and Vivian were able to travel to several countries but their favorite trip may have been driving to Alaska. Vivian was a long-time member of the Dexter United Methodist Church and the 20th Century Club and was an avid bridge player. Memorial Services will be held Sunday, April 24. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial will occur at a later date at the Dexter Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Dexter Library Foundation or the Dexter United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be expressed on this site. Vivian’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. Her grandchildren are Jill (Luke) Eichner Brown of Earlham; Ben (Joanne) Eichner of Airdrie, Alberta Canada; Mike (Lori) Lawson of Lees Summit, Missouri; and Greg (Katie) Lawson of Liberty, Missouri. She was blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Ehlana, Garion, Avery, Luca, Zane, Martin, Agatha, Matthew, Cameron, and Brooks. She was a loving wife and mother who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.