Rita Marie Lawler, 88

Rita Marie Lawler, 88 years, 11 months, and 10 days old, passed away on July 22, 2012 at her home with her family by her side.
Rita was born Aug. 12, 1923 in Ridgway, Ill., to James Henry and Angeline (Walton) Abell.
Rita was a resident of the Ava community for many years.
On May 1, 1946 Rita and John Hall Lawler were united in marriage in Ridgway, Ill., and to this union seven children were born.
Rita worked in Ava at the Wal-Mart for several years and also earlier at the Douglas County Herald. She was a member of the Catholic Church.
Rita was devoted and dearly loved her family and the care of her home.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John in 2002 and 10 siblings.
Rita is survived by seven children and their spouses, Linda and Jim Dodson, Springfield, Mo., John and Peggy Lawler, Dallas, Texas, Mark and Cathy Lawler, Ava, Mo., Anita and Larry Cain, MacClenny, Fla., Nina and Charles Prausa, Meredith, N.H., Mary “Angel” and Robert Northcutt, Joplin, Mo., and James and Nancy Lawler, Ava, Mo.; 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
Cremation services for Rita are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Mo. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. The family requests memorials to Hospice Compassus, 807 N. Main, Mtn. Grove, MO 65711.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.