Rita R Lawson

She was born in Sullivan County on Aug 27, 1938 to Charles Ross Benson and Edith Marie (Harmon) Benson.

Rita’s siblings were Billie Reed, Gene Benson, Stan Ransford, and Lloyd Ransford.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years Dr. R. Brad Lawson whom she married on July 24th, 1960, children Kara Lawson, Kent Lawson (Denise), and Kris Lawson (Donna). Grandchildren, Clint Lawson (Breeann), Cliff Lawson (Cayla), Kaden Lawson (Raeann), and Kase Lawson, and great-grandchildren: Alexus, Ava, Rhett, Knoxx, Cross, and Krew.

Rita graduated from Fairbanks High School in 1956. She attended Indiana State University after being awarded the ISU High Achievement Academic scholarship and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1960. She later received her Masters of Library Science in 1976, as well as an Advanced Professional Degree in Library Science in 1984, the highest level degree offered in the US for Library Science.

Rita began her professional career as a teacher at Granville Wells High School teaching both History and French. After their daughter was born, she stayed home for the next 17 years to raise their three children. Later, she worked for Mutual Federal Savings and Loan as Executive Assistant while also going back to school. In 1989 she became a librarian and Assistant Professor at the St. Mary of the Woods College Library. She was soon promoted to Associate Professor of Library Science and Executive Director of the College Library before retiring in 2001.

Rita was a great lover of books and an avid reader. She would often read five or more books at the same time and would never leave the house without a book in hand. She often made it clear that if she couldn’t take her book, then she wasn’t going.

Rita, along with husband Brad, Sharon Robertson, and Grace Johnson, were members of the 1970’s Gospel group, The Melodairs. The group toured regularly and were featured on the World Gospel Church Radio Program on a regular basis.

She was a member of Oregon Baptist church for more than 50 years serving as the Church Librarian until 2018. In 2024 the church named the library the “Ester Fiddler and Rita Lawson Memorial Library” in their honor.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 17th, 2025 from 11am to 1pm at Roselawn Cemetery Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1pm at the funeral home with Rev. Brad Geary and Rev. Fred Harrison officiating. There will be no graveside services at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oregon Baptist Church Library fund.

Fond memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net.