Mary Beth Lawhorn

Mary Beth Lawhorn

Mary Beth Lawhorn was born in Ishpeming Mi. on January 2 1940 to Guy Cecil And Ino Miriam (Keto) Alderton. She was the 8th out of 10 children. Living in Upper Michigan she understood that times can be hard, she talked about when the mines would shut down and how it affected everyone. It shaped her life and taught her to survive during uncertain times. She also babysat for members of the band The Yoopers that explains the inspiration for the crazy fun songs. And possibly the beer drinking. She knew as much as she loved the U.P. she would have to go out into the world to make her way. She made her way to Milwaukee Wi. with her girlfriends as may from her area did in those times to find jobs. She worked at General Merchandise which later became JC Penney during this time she got to go to the Big Apple(New York City) for work it was an exciting time for a small-town girl. When she returned she met Bill Lawhorn at a gin mill called the Corn Crib in Milwaukee. She always said they met at Church she was always Keeping Up Appearances. On September 14, 1963 they cemented their commitment and got married in Tomah Wi. They then ended up in Oporto, Portugal when Bill was working for the American Consulate. While there she gave birth to a daughter. Bill had wanted to name her Victoria Annette, but she knew someone with that name that she didn’t particularly care for, so when Bill left the hospital she filled out the birth certificate and named her daughter Valerie Anne. While overseas she had the opportunity to travel. Sometimes with her husband or sometimes with friends but always with her daughter in tow like a couple of wayward gypsies. She traveled to Spain, England and Ireland where they all kissed the Blarney Stone. When they came back to the US she gave birth to a son in Madison Wi. She caved into naming him William Sean giving him the same 1st name as his Father and Grandfather, but she always called him Sean and said she should have named him Sean William. They then moved to the Brooks area on Angels Pond first where she taught her children about the stars and nature as she had been taught in her youth. The family didn’t have a lot of money, but her children thought they were rich. She always made fabulous meals and everyone loved her homemade cheese spread. The family then moved to the farm in Lincoln township where she loved to sit on her screened-in porch. Later The family bought the little bar in Brooks and called it the Brooks Pub where she absolutely loved most of her customers and had so many fun times. She lived her final days at the old Brooks Schoolhouse with her Grand-children Stephen, Taylor and Duncan Waite whom she loved dearly. She lost Bill December 31, 2014 when she was asked if she was gonna date again she said Hell No I’m gonna do what I want. If she didn’t give you the little finger or tell you to go run around the block you didn’t make the cut. She was one of a kind. She had started to read Janet Evanovich books (Stephanie Plum series) and loved the mad capped humor much like some of her life I mean after a blow out 4th of July party finding a naked guy sleeping in her closet. Or almost getting on of the local drinkers arrested on accident. She is survived by Daughter Valerie (Gary) Gust Son Sean (Sarah) Lawhorn Grandsons Stephen, Taylor and Duncan (Amber) Waite. Sisters Pat, Karen(Kenny) and Carolyn(Lester) and a brother Terry(Chris). Sister-in-law Rosalie. Sister-in-laws Joanne, Virginia(Ron), Donna(Russ)

She was proceeded in death by her Father and Mother, her husband, sisters: Vivian(John), Sally(John), and Lucy(Chuck); brothers: Kenny and Allen(Ella); brother-in-law, Norman; sisters-in-law: Darlene(Floyd), Juanita(Clifford), and Sharon; brothers-in-law: Dan and Gary.

Memorials in Mary Beth’s memory may be directed to her children at 339 Center street Oxford Wi. 53952

Private Celebration of Life at a later date.

She will be missed. Her favorite quote, ” I am what I am.”