Byron L. Lawrence, age 70 years and Rita J. Lawrence, age 65 years, of rural Hillsboro, passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2007 following an accident.
Byron was born on August 24, 1937 to Leslie and Clara (Hunter) Lawrence in Richland County and graduated from the Ontario High School in 1956. He then entered in the U.S. Navy where he served three years followed by entering the Naval Reserve. He was a very active person in the community and his church; he worked many years as the town patrolman for the Forest Township. He also was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Hillsboro. Byron loved motorcycling and traveling with his wife, Rita and also enjoyed the rural land and the great outdoors.
Byron and Rita were united in marriage on November 17, 1967 and are survived by many family members and great friends. A special nephew, John Malphy and siblings, Joseph (Gloria) Malphy, Donald Malphy, Mary O'Connor, Rose (Adolph) Burdick, Branson (Doris) Lawrence, Betty (Howard) Ross, John (Barb) Lawrence, Joan (Roger) Von Haden, Janet (Jerry) Abousslem and Alan Lawrence and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
They were preceded in death by their parents, and her sisters, Madaline Walker and Patricia Arttus.
They were well known in the area for their loving and caring ways and will be long remembered for their many good deeds.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Burr Wesleyan Church, with Rev. Alan Tripp officiating. Burial will be in the Forest-Burr Cemetery, rural Hillsboro. Friends may call at the Picha Funeral Home, in Hillsboro on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m., with a Masonic service at 7:30 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

Note: some of the family might be related to one of them.