August 5, 1931 – November 10, 2022
Alvina “ Vernie” Elizabeth (Gunville) Lawrence, 91, died Thursday, November 10, 2022 at her residence in Rapid City.
Funeral Mass was Monday, November 14, 2022 at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church with burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Alvina “Vernie” Elizabeth was born along the Moreau River on August 5, 1931 near White Horse during the Great Depression and was raised in a log cabin built by hand, by her father, Joe Gunville. The Gunville log cabin was part of the small White Horse community, called “The Village” along the Moreau River. Her parents, Joe and Evelyn Gunville; her grandparents, Alec and Elizabeth Gunville and Buck and Andel Lawrence; and Uncle Robert and Aunt Delphine Lawrence all built their cabins together and called it the “Village.”
Alvina began her school years at the Old Cheyenne Agency, and then attended St. Joseph’s Boarding School in Chamberlain. Upon graduation from high school, Alvina entertained the thought of becoming a nun; however, God had other plans for her. She met Arthur Lawrence and they were married in February 1950. From this union ten children were born. They made their home in Igloo and Eagle Butte, and moved to Rapid City in 1966.
After twenty-five years of marriage, they went their separate ways, and Alvina continued raising the children. She worked several jobs and attended the National College of Business in Rapid City and earned her associates degree. She began her professional career at the Sioux San hospital and worked there until she retired in 1996.
Alvina was a devoted Catholic and shared her strong faith in God with her family and friends. She recited the holy rosary every morning and every night and several times throughout the day as family and friends needed. Alvina always made sure her children and grandchildren were showered with love and protected in prayers at all times. She enjoyed cooking and crafts, and especially loved making her holiday goody platters and her masterpiece snowmen at Christmas time. Alvina loved flowers and plants and playing her organ, which she taught herself how to play.
She made her home a place where everyone was welcome and never left hungry. Alvina appreciated everything she had and saw value in everything and everyone.
Alvina is survived by her eight of her children: sons Ross Lawrence of White Horse, Frank (Jamie) Lawrence of Chamberlain, Gerald “Chic” Lawrence, Tom (Lori) Lawrence of Rapid City, and Wade (DeeAnn) Lawrence of Eagle Butte; daughters Lisa Rosenau of Rapid City, Julie (Glen) Huggins of Sioux Falls, and Darla (Cliff ) Zechiel of Rapid City; 42 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren; close cousin, Clarice Bender; special friends Liz and Steve McCarthy; and a large extended family.
Alvina is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Evelyn Gunville; her grandparents, Alec and Elizabeth Gunville and Buck and Andel Lawrence; daughters Candace Bauman and Rhonda Weaver; sister Della (Monte) Birdsall; brothers Elmer Gunville, Jerome Gunville, Harlan Gunville, and Milbert Gunville; daughter-in-law Debbe Lawrence; sons-in-law Al Weaver and Pete Doucette; aunts Juanita Rifle, May LeBeau and Wanda Warren; uncles Robert and Clarence Lawrence; niece Guyla Gunville; and nephew Romey Gunville.
Arrangements were with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.
(Ross Lawrence’s address is PO Box 32, White Horse, SD 57661.)