Maxona Jean Lawler

Maxona Jean Lawler, daughter of Max Otto and Winona V. (Womack) Groce, was born Sep. 18, 1941, in Plainview, Texas. She departed this life Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Lebanon, at the age of 83 years, f4months and 17 days. On Dec. 28, 1960, Maxona was united in marriage to Jackie “Jack” Lawler, and together they shared 60 years until his passing on April 30, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Maxona is survived by her siblings; A.O. “Butch” Groce and wife, Brenda, of Lebanon; Charles Groce, of Bovey, Minn.; and Joyce Lindsey and husband, David, of Austin, Texas; her nieces and nephews, Ronda Morgan and husband Jeff, Richard Groce and wife Emily, Anthony Lindsey and wife Julie, and Rachel Lindsey, Ann Robertson, Elaine Roper, Valerie Fetters, Holly Mings, Amy Pinkston, Alyssa Timm and their families; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends. Maxona spent her younger years living in Texas and moved to Hartville, Missouri in 1951. She met Jack while they were in school, and they attended the junior and senior prom together. She was a graduate of Hartville High School in the Class of 1960. 
In 1970, Maxona and Jack moved to the family farm and lived there until 1997. During that time, they owned the Lawler Station and operated it until their “retirement” in 1991. Following the sale of the station, Maxona started her career in Funeral Service at Holman-Howe Funeral Home and later continued her service to the residents of Hartville with Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Maxona devoted 28 years of her life to helping the grieving families and her calming presence brought a sense of peace to everyone who walked through the doors. She served well over 2,000 families and did it with dignity and class. She will forever be the First Lady of Hartville. She was very proud to be from Hartville and rarely missed a chance to show her support for her community. She served many years as a board member for Gasconade Neighbors, Steele Memorial Cemetery, Wright County Health Department, Hartville Education Foundation, Eagle Pride Store, Boys and Girls State, Hartville Garden Club, the Women’s Auxiliary and countless others throughout her life. She was a staunch supporter of the Hartville School District and could often be found at a home basketball or baseball game. She had a giving heart and throughout the years she and Jack “adopted” many children and adults as their own. She knew everyone and deeply cared for all of her “family.” Even though her time here with us has ended, Maxona’s legacy will live forever through the stories and memories that will be shared for countless generations to come. She was truly someone that made you better by her presence in your life. We celebrate her long life, her legacy, and will cherish the many wonderful memories that she has created for her family and friends.    Visitation was held Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at 10 a.m., both at Hartville Free Will Baptist Church. Burial was at Steele Memorial Cemetery, Hartville.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Jack & Maxona Lawler Memorial Scholarship Fund.