SOUTH PARIS — Ruth M. (Barker) Lawrence, 89, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris, with her daughters by her side.

 She was born in Bridgton, on Jan. 22, 1930, to Edwin and Ruby (Decker) Barker, where she grew up and graduated from Bridgton High school in 1948. On July 30, 1948, she married Frederick Lawrence and later moved to South Paris and raised their family. She worked at C.B. Cummings until her retirement in 1992.

She was a faithful member of the South Paris Baptist Church, where she was in the choir, taught and was a superintendent in Sunday School, and participated in church activities. She also was a past member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the American Legion Post #72 in South Paris. She enjoyed reading, singing, bowling, puzzles, embroidery and loved all animals.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Frederick in 1986; daughter Linda Smith in 2013; and brothers, Lewis, Earl, Raymond and Merl Barker.

She is survived by her brother Richard (Hilda); two daughters Patricia (Kenneth) Cornell and Kathryn Lawrence; son-in-law Russell Smith; granddaughter Denise (John) Keating; grandsons Bernard Martin and Eric (Katie) Cornell; three great-granddaughters, Brianna Bushey, Megan (Emily) Bushey and Quinn Cornell; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of her caregivers at Ledgeview Living Center, Maine Veterans’ Home, and Beacon Hospice for all of their wonderful care and compassion.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m., at the South Paris Baptist Church on Park Street. Interment will be in the spring at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the South Paris Baptist Church, P.O. Box 282, South Paris, ME 04281, Maine Veterans’ Home, 477 High St., South Paris, ME 04281, or Responsible Pet Care, P.O. Box 82, South Paris, ME 04281. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com