Dr. Ross LaVerne Lawrence, 86, beautiful friend and loving family man, passed away at Northwest Health, La Porte, on Sunday, December 4, 2022.
Ross was born in Walkerton, Indiana, on February 5, 1936, to David and Evelyn (Ross) Lawrence. He graduated from Walkerton High School and went on to Purdue University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the School of Agriculture in 1958. During his senior year at Purdue, he met Sue, love of his life and marriage partner for more than 64 years, on a blind date. Ross and Sue quickly fell in love and married on August 30, 1958, in Pennville, Indiana. Immediately after marriage, Ross entered active duty with the U.S. Army. After his service, Ross and Sue moved to Flint, Michigan, where Ross worked for the Dean Milk Company.
While working at the Dean Milk Company, for unknown reasons, Ross chose a new career path; he enrolled at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, from where he graduated in 1964. Immediately after graduation, Ross and Sue decided to make La Porte their life-long home. Ross practiced dentistry at the corner of “I” and 10th Streets for over 40 years, providing amazing and compassionate care for thousands of patients. Upon retiring from private practice, he continued to give of his talents at the La Porte Community Health Center, Spirit Lake Dakota Reservation, and on foreign mission trips.
Ross embraced his love of all things agricultural when he and Sue moved their family to a farmhouse on 40 acres. Ross thoroughly delighted in his time caring for the crops, grounds and animals with the help of his John Deere tractor and family. After moving from the farm, Ross found a new passion in the game of golf and improving the ponds of Beechwood Golf Course.
La Porte greatly benefited from Ross’ volunteer endeavors. Kiwanis, Jaycees, La Porte Hospital, La Porte Presbyterian Church, La Porte’s Tree Commission and others benefited from Ross’ know-how, energy, and ability to fix things.
Ross’ interests and energy knew no bounds. He enjoyed creating stained glass windows, wood carvings, model boats and gardens, and traveling with Sue throughout the world.
Ross served as an inspiring role model and left a boundless legacy of memories to his family. His family includes two children: Rev. Dr. David (Rev. Fran) Lawrence of Niles, Michigan, and Amy (Dr. Jeffrey) Mader of Sawyer, Michigan. He loved his many grandchildren: Phillip (Tarra) Gardner, Donna (Brandon) Taylor, Jonathan Gardner (Cristina Monteiro Pastore), Sallie (Dr. Victor) Greco, Sgt. Ross A. Lawrence, Dr. Katherine E. (Jake) Noeldner, and Jonathon L. Mader, as well as two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Constance Ikins, and his parents.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Presbyterian Church of La Porte, 307 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, Indiana, on Friday, December 9, 2022. The family is receiving friends at The Presbyterian Church of La Porte between 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. C.S.T. The Memorial Service begins at Noon C.S.T. with Rev. Dr. David Lawrence and Rev. Jane Anabe officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to The La Porte Presbyterian Church and The La Porte City Park Foundation (Beechwood Golf Course). Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cutlercares.com.
