Melba J. (Bartels) Lawrence Obituary
It is with sadness that the passing of Melba J. (Bartels) Lawrence of Effingham, Illinois is shared. Melba, born on January 31, 1932, passed away on July 12, 2026. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Charles Austin and Bessie Austin (Jones); her former spouse Monroe Bartels; her husband James H. "Jim" Lawrence; her son Gary Bartels; her brothers, Charles E. Austin, William "Dutch" Austin and Marvin Austin; and her grandson Greg Thompson.
She is survived by: her children, Monte Bartels (Shirley) of Shumway, Jim Bartels (Patti) of Effingham, Sheryl Kyle (Troy) of Shumway and Janis Holste (Steve) of Altamont; and her daughter-in-law Glenda Bartels of St. Elmo. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Mullen Baptist Church or the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center in Vandalia.
