Ruth Miriam Lawrence

Ruth Miriam Lawrence, 99, of Asheville, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2019.

She was born on February 17, 1920, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Karl Mantyla and Agda Yliheikkila Mantyla, immigrants from Finland.

In 1942, she married John Edward Lawrence. He passed away in 2004. She is survived by daughters, Carol Lawrence, of Asheville, and Marsha Taylor, of Ashland, MO; grandson, Geoffrey Taylor of Columbia, MO; son-in-law, Peter Caulfield of Asheville, and nephew Karl Mantyla of Grosse Pointe Wood, MI.

Ruth was a dedicated volunteer with many charitable organizations, including garden club, HeadStart reading programs, and Project Linus. At Givens Estates, where she lived for the last fourteen years, she delighted in aqua exercise, bridge and other card games, and participating in the community’s many activities.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 2 pm in the Chapel at Givens Estates. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to MemoryCare, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC, 28803, or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC, 28731.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.