Carolee Lawrentz

Carolee (Norris) Lawrentz, age 88, of Coshocton, Ohio, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, peacefully in her home with her son, James, at her bedside and her cat, Sam, asleep at the foot of her bed. Carolee was the eldest daughter of the late Melvin and Sarah (Richcreek) Norris, born on July 29, 1937.

She was a 1954 graduate of Roscoe High School where she participated in many school activities including being a proud majorette. On April 13, 1957, she married David James Lawrentz and spent 55 wonderful years of marriage with him until his passing on November 18, 2012.

Carolee worked as a receptionist for Sears Catalog Store, the Tutor House, and Ohio Bell as a switchboard operator for many years. However, her dedication, love and passion were as a loving daughter, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was a member of Canal Lewisville United Methodist Church, where she married David and raised her children. After David’s passing, she began attending Keene United Methodist Church and was a member of the Keene Happy Neighbors.

Carolee and her husband David enjoyed raising quarter horses and traveling to horse shows. She also enjoyed tending to her wonderful flower beds, collecting butterflies, and spending time with her loving family.

Carolee is survived by her three loving sons, Jeffrey Lee Lawrentz, James David Lawrentz, both of Coshocton, and Joseph Alan (Stacy) Lawrentz of Fresno. Grandchildren, Alexis (Lauren) Lawrentz of Cape Coral, Florida, Aubrey (Brody) Fry of Massillon, Ohio, Justin Lawrentz of Coshocton and Robby (Tory) Griffith of Hillard, Ohio; three great-grandchildren, Declyn, Emmett and Finley Fry all of Massillon, Ohio; her sister, Joyce (Larry) Watson of Coshocton; sister-in-law, Virginia (Richard) Schafer of Columbus, Ohio; niece, Janet (Denny) Hardesty of Coshocton, special friends, Betty Karr and Alice Shaw, both of Coshocton; and close friend and caregiver, Ranelle Bible, who lovingly cared for Carolee for the last five years.

Along with her parents and husband, Carolee is preceded in death by her brother, David Norris, sisters-in-law, Sue (Hawthorne) Norris and Maxine Graham, brothers-in-law, Larry Watson and Jack Graham and step grandson, Jeremy Griffith.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Keene United Methodist Church, 2700 CR 1, Coshocton, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm with Rev. Paula Marbury officiating. Burial will be held at Coshocton County Memory Gardens. Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home is serving the family.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Carolee’s name to Keene United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.