Obituary of Rheta Lawton
Rheta Mae Lawton 1931 - 2024
Lawton, Rheta Mae passed away peacefully on June 14, 2024 at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Daughter of the late Stanley and Eva (nee Robertson) Hutchison, she had two sisters, Margaret Johnson and Mary Hutchison. Beloved wife of the late Earl Alexander Lawton (1998), they had three children, Marlene Rantala (Jouko), Carolyn Lawton (Art Appelberg, predeceased), and Stan Lawton (Michele).
Rheta was proud of her grandsons, Eric (Ashley) Rantala, Karl Rantala, Neil Rantala, Jordan Appelberg, Zach (Emma Biondi) Lawton, and Alex (Taryn) Lawton. She was especially pleased to be called GG by her six great grandchildren.
Rheta was known as the family historian. She had a phenomenal memory for names, facts, and financial details. Community-minded, Rheta was always proud of her rural background.
Interment will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham, later this summer. Rheta appreciated her time at St. Andrew's Residence and she valued the staff. Donations have been entrusted to McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St Clair Street, Chatham. Memorial donations can be made at the funeral home by cash or cheque payable to St. Andrew's Residence, funds received in memory of Rheta will be directed towards The Courtyard Enhancement Project. Online condolences can be made at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.
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Ridgetown: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-397
Blenheim: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-41
Chatham: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-174
Nathan McKinlay is in charge of day-to-day operations in Chatham.
Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
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