Evelyn Elaine Lawson

Evelyn Elaine Zurbrugg Lawson of Moses Lake passed away surrounded by her loving family on her 88th birthday, Thursday, March 25, 2010.

Elaine was born to August and Geraldine Zurbrugg on March 25, 1922. She spent her childhood in Bremerton, WA and graduated from Bremerton High School in 1940.

After being chased for years, Elaine finally let George Lawson catch her, and the two were married on December 18, 1942. She moved to Hawaii, the East Coast, and several points in-between following her husband on Navy assignments and caring for their three sons before the family finally settled in Moses Lake, WA in 1955.

For 27 years, Elaine worked for the Moses Lake Police Department, doing everything from acting as dispatcher to working as the secretary for the chief of police. Her civic and community involvement included membership in the Moses Lake Sandy Sams, the Grant County Retired Republic Employees’ Council, and the local AARP. She was also a proud life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. Elaine was known for her love of service. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Spokane Veterans Medical Bus and continued to serve even when her own health made it difficult to do so.

Known for her enthusiasm and fun-loving personality, Elaine was a 4-time cancer survivor who experienced life to the fullest. She loved traveling throughout the world, visiting places such as South Africa, Australia, Thailand, Germany, Switzerland, the Yucatan Peninsula, Hong Kong, and Alaska.

Besides traveling, Elaine also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing pinochle and other games, and being with her family. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael Lawson; sister, Eileen Stephens; and grandsons Damon Lawson, Douglas Lawson, and Scott Lawson.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, George; two sons, Gary (Yvonne) Lawson of Moses Lake, WA and Larry (Pat) of Olalla, WA; brothers, Bill (Jeanette) Zurbrugg and Gerald Zurbrugg, both of Bremerton, WA; sisters-in-law, Claire (Jerry) Owens of Silverdale, WA and Trez (Gary) Wheeler of Tracyton, WA; and brother-in-law, Donald Lawson of Berkeley, CA. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, 16 grandchildren, and 48 great-grandchildren, who all loved and adored her.

A viewing will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 925 N. Grape Drive in Moses Lake, WA. Burial and concluding services will immediately follow at Pioneer Memorial Garden.

Please leave messages for the family at www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com.