Rita Marie (Altier) Lawrence

Rita Marie Lawrence, 79, of McConnelsville, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.  She was born October 6, 1945 in Oakfield, Ohio, the daughter of the late Joseph Altier and Barbara Rodgers Altier.  

Rita’s greatest joy came from the family she raised and the love she gave.  Even in her final days, she treasured time with her husband, children and grandchildren.  Her infectious smile, kind heart, sharp wit, and unwavering strength made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet her.

A skilled seamstress and passionate quilter, Rita owned and operated Nonna’s Quilting Nook in Zanesville for over 20 years.  Known for her exceptional quilting skills and gentle guidance, Rita built more than a quilt shop; she built a warm and welcoming community where friendships flourished, and memories were made. She was a member and supporter of the Pieceable Quilters Guild in Zanesville.

Rita’s journey was defined by deep compassion and a steadfast faith in God. She was a long-time member of St. James Catholic Church in McConnelsville where she married Philip W. Lawrence, her husband of 57 years.  In addition to Philip, she is survived by her three children Monica (Bradley) Stanley of Newark, OH, Michele (Donald) Himes of Delaware, OH and Aaron (Ali) Lawrence of New Concord, OH.  Rita was a beloved grandmother to Mackenzie (Blake) Butler, Rachael, Brooklyn and Joseph Stanley, Hannah (Thomas) Pullem, Madalena and Olivia Himes, and Blake, Grace and Gavin Lawrence.  She leaves behind five sisters Regina (Thomas) Hankinson, Cathy (Dean) Hopkins, Barbara (John) Hambel, Karen Brown and Patricia (Randy) Strode.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Annette Kittle, Gertrude Seyerle, and Carol Jewell, and brothers Joseph and Philip Altier.

Her love, laughter, and wisdom will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.  She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in every stitch of a quilt, every shared family moment, and every act of kindness inspired by her example.

Friends and family may call 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 9,2025 at Miller-Huck Funeral Home in McConnelsville followed by a prayer service.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the St. James Catholic Church in McConnelsville with Father Tim Kozak celebrant. She will be laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery, McConnelsville with a reception following at the St. James Catholic Church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church of McConnelsville or to the Dementia Society of America https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate.

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