Charlotte Fern Lawrence, 92, of New Salem, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2023, surrounded by her husband and daughters.

Charlotte was born in Winfield, Kansas, on March 6, 1931, the daughter of Temple D. "T.D." and Eva (Crutcher) Anderson.  She attended Winfield city schools and graduated from Winfield High School in 1949.  She attended Southwestern College for a short time.

Charlotte and Melvin Lawrence were married on March 2, 1952, at the First Christian Church in Winfield, Kansas.  They celebrated 71 years of marriage.  While Melvin was serving in the Army from 1952-54, she lived and worked in Wichita.  Upon his return in 1954, they established their home in New Salem, Kansas, where they have lived for the past 69 years.  They also engaged in farming and gardening.

Charlotte was first employed as a secretary at the former First National Bank of Winfield followed by the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Halliburton Oil Company district offices in Wichita, and completed her career as a secretary for 37 years to nine Winfield High School principals.  She retired from USD 465 in 1994.

Over the years she has been involved in Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, the beginning years of hospice in Cowley County, USD 465 Foundation, American Legion Auxiliary, William Newton Hospital Auxiliary, and the Women's Fellowship of the First Christian Church.

Survivors include her husband Melvin of the home; daughters Carol Torrence (Chuck) of Topeka and Diana Kelly of Geuda Springs; grandsons Logan Kelly of Geuda Springs and Cody Kelly of Eureka, CA; great-grandson Kegan Kelly at home in Oxford and Geuda Springs; three nieces, two nephews, and their families.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Lena Mitchell and Fredonia Parrott; a nephew Mark Parrott; and her son-in-law Dave Kelly.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Miles Funeral Service.  Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery.  A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 4 to 6 P.M.  The family will greet visitors during that time.

Memorial contributions may be made in Charlotte's honor to the William Newton Hospital Auxiliary or the USD 465 Foundation.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Charlotte's funeral will be available live at the following link: