Theda Elizabeth Lawrence

Theda Elizabeth Lawrence, 87, of New Dawn Health Care Center, formerly of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly in Massillon Community Hospital Wednesday, December 31, 2003. Born in New Philadelphia, May 9, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Byron Franklin and Winifred Elizabeth Davis Swihart. Theda graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1934. Mrs. Lawrence is best known as the first female bus driver for the New Philadelphia City School District. The story is told that she was hired to work in the school cafeteria in 1962, but they needed a bus driver, and Theda answered the call. For the next two decades, she transported thousands of school children to and from school, and to and from special events, athletic contests, and field trips. When not behind the wheel of the bus, Theda was often behind the wheel in a car, taking her friends on trips and vacations to points near and far. Active in the community, she was a member of the New Philadelphia First Church of the Brethren, the ladies auxiliary of V.F.W. Post 1445 in New Philadelphia, the Dover Women of the Moose, the Tuscarawas Chapter #2495 of AARP, and the Ohio Association of Public School Employees. Theda had a great talent for crocheting, and enjoyed making gifts for family and friends. It is estimated that she gave away more than thirty afghans, one at a time, at her monthly AARP meetings. She was also known to play the piano and organ, especially during the holidays. Survivors include two daughters, Jeanne (George “Jay”) Gelinas of Naples, Florida, and Rebecca (John) Roth of New Philadelphia; a son, Byron E. Lawrence of Chippewa Lake, OH; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, and two sisters; Wanda M. Clark of New Philadelphia, and Rev. Evelyn Anslow of Dover.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Alice V. Pepper, and a brother, Charles B. Swihart. Friends are invited to call Friday, January 2, 2004 (TODAY) from 4PM until 7PM at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia. Rev. Max Canfield will officiate a funeral service at 11:30 AM Saturday, January 3, 2004, in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the family plot at East Avenue Cemetery. A reception will be held in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, following the committal service.Those unable to attend are invited to send condolences to the family, sign an online guest registry, and view a memorial to Theda’s life on the funeral home’s website. Memorial contributions to the New Philadelphia Quaker Foundation, 303 Fourth Street N.W. New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or to the First Church of The Brethren, 700 Fair Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, are encouraged by the family.