Laura Hawk

Laura Bernice Beitzel Hawk, age 92 formerly of New Philadelphia, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 9, 2008 in New Dawn Health Care Center at Dover. Born on February 18, 1915 at Stone Creek, Laura was born to the late Jesse and Lydia Hawk.In 1933 Laura married Cletus Beitzel and soon two children would be added to the original union, Woody and Faye.Living in Tuscarawas County during the early part of the century, Laura was given the advantage of seeing just how much technology changed the farming community around her. Soon gone were the days of the horse as the first farming tractors were introduced to the area. She and Cletus were one of the first to take advantage of such technology to aid them in their faming chores.As the depression affected the rest of the country money became tight but food and love were always available to her family. Laura’s resourcefulness and knowledge of sewing allowed her to create clothing from feed sacks.That resourcefulness in sewing would later become a passion as she took up an interest in quilting, making beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren alike.When Laura was not busy quilting, she helped Cletus tend to their chicken farm, as washing and cleaning eggs for market was a daily part of life for the Beitzel household.After 49 years of marriage, Cletus passed away and some years later she married Fred Hawk. For nearly ten years the couple shared a life of companionship until Fred’s passing in 2000.Laura will be sadly missed by her children and their spouses; Woody and Linda Beitzel of Stone Creek and Faye and Ray Mutti of New Philadelphia; as well as a brother Ralph Hawk of Augusta, Ohio. Those who also survive are five grandsons and two granddaughters, Rick, Scott (Emily), Mark (Becky), and Robert (Annette) Beitzel, Todd Mutti, Brenda (Ed) Kline and Debra (Jeremy) White; twelve great-grandchildren, Derrick, Josh, Laci, Katelyn, Jared, Larissa, Drew, and Aliyah Beitzel, Sarah and Scott Kline, and Jacob and Jessica White. A step-daughter Joanne Mc Donald also survives.In addition to her parents and husbands, Laura is preceded in death by two brothers, Roy and Max Hawk; a sister, Ruby Beitzel and a great-grandchild, Kelly Beitzel.Friends may call one hour prior to services on Tuesday, February 12, 2008. An 11:30 AM service honoring Laura’s life will be led by Rev. Dr. Terry Downin in Jerusalem Church at New Philadelphia. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Following burial, the family would like to invite guests to attend a luncheon for a time of remembrance and fellowship in the church social hall.