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We have received word of Anita Bruce Lawrenz's passing yesterday, June 28th. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anita's family as they grieve.
Anita Joy Lawrenz was born September 12, 1948, in McPherson, Kansas, the fourth of six children of Arland and Doris (Clark) Bruce. As a small child, she was reborn through the waters of baptism as a child of God. Anita attended Lincoln Grade School and graduated from McPherson High School in 1966. In 1964, she met her future husband, Richard Lawrenz, and they were eventually married on September 17, 1966. After her wedding, Anita went through confirmation classes at Grace Lutheran Church and joined the LCMS. The Lord blessed Rick and Anita with three sons, Bradley, Matthew, and Christopher.
The family lived in several different Kansas towns- Hutchinson, Buhler, Garden City, and Pratt- before moving to Pueblo, CO, then back to Hutchinson, and finally returning to their hometown of McPherson in 2002. Over the years Anita held various jobs, her most fulfilling being her work with disabled adults in Hutchinson and Pratt. She even taught herself to read and write Braille so she could act as a para for a blind student. In 1992, she went to work as a clerk at Hutchinson Community College Bookstore. After a short stint as clerk, she was given the position of store manager. During that time, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Friends University. When she retired from HCC, she volunteered as church secretary at Grace Lutheran Church, McPherson, a position she held until medical issues forced her home. While she held many jobs, her pride and joy was her job of being Grandma and G.G. to eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Hours spent together reading books, working puzzles, playing games, and baking cookies are now treasured memories.
Over the years, Anita participated in many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed creating- sewing, macrame, crafts, gardening, and baking. She was a good cook, although she often doubted her abilities. Months before Christmas she would begin baking cookies in preparation for the holiday. These were stored in containers in the garage freezer… which were frequently raided by her sons and grandkids on their way into the house. It was a miracle there were any cookies left on Christmas Day! Anita faithfully taught Sunday school in almost every congregation she attended. She loved attending Bible classes and was not shy about sharing her faith with others. She lived a life of service to her family and church. Later in life, after the boys were grown, one of Anita’s joys was Saturday morning breakfast with her cousins.
Anita was preceded in death by her parents, (Arland and Doris Bruce), three brothers (Ralph, Gary, and Stan Bruce), two sisters-in-law (Mary Bruce and Laura Bruce), and a grandson (Gabriel Lawrenz).
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Richard, sons Bradley (Marie) of Inman, Matthew (Deann) of Pueblo, CO, and Christopher (Denise) of McPherson; grandchildren, Michael (Jenna), Bryon (Courtney), and Todd (Emma) of Colorado and Luke, Matthew, Amelia, Allison, and Benjamin of Kansas; great-grandchildren Tobin, Jensen, Ellie & Norah, Aaron & Sophie, and Oakley, all of Colorado; her sister Faye Ann (Harris) Terry, brother Charles (Kay) Bruce, sister-in-law Saundra Bruce, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Anita passed from this earthly life into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by her husband and sons at home, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the age of 77.
“O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 2, at Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. Dale Dumperth officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be payable to Grace Lutheran Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
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Greetings MHS Class of 1966!
60 Year Class Reunion
July 31 & August 1, 2026
We’d love to see as many of you as possible at our 60 year reunion. We decided to forego an organized Saturday evening event this time and stick to Friday night and Saturday morning. Both will be casual times featuring lots of catching up. If you can join us, please take a minute to fill out and return the form at the bottom of this page. If you’re unable to attend we’d still like to hear from you. Write a short note, if you’d like, and send it to Kayrene at the address below.
Friday, July 31
McPherson Community Building, 122 E. Marlin 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Each of the classes having reunions will have a designated space - and lots of chairs we hope! There will be bars serving cocktails, beer, wine and seltzers - cash and cards will be accepted. We’ll have soda, water and appetizers available, too. NO ALCOHOL MAY BE BROUGHT IN.
Saturday, August 1
Swedish Pancake Breakfast, Countryside Covenant Church, 940 E. Northview Rd, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. We’ll be serving Swedish pancakes, bacon & sausage and coffee. This was a lot of fun 5 years ago so we decided to do it again.
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