Jeanette “Tootie” Elaine Lawson, 83, died on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at the Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester. Online condolences may be left at www.fullertonfh.com.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 2502 S. Jefferson Ave., Mason City. The Rev. Patricia Shaw will be officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. A visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. SE, Mason City.

Jeanette Lawson was born on Dec. 3, 1929, to John and Henrietta “Hank” (Klaassen) Schutter in Mason City. She graduated from Mason City High School and then attended Hamilton’s Business College. After college she worked for the Standard Oil Company in Mason City. She later worked for World Wide Auctioneering College in Mason City, which is the occupation she held for most of her life. Jeanette had seven children with Lawrence Lawson Jr. and raised her children in the Mason City area. For the past 21 years she resided in Armstrong with her son, David.

Jeanette was known by family and friends as Tootie. Tootie was always a family orientated person. She lived her life caring for her family and friends. Tootie felt it was better to give than to receive and made sure that every Christmas each grandchild and great-grandchild had a present to open. Her grandkids were her pride and joy. Tootie would often play on the floor with the grandkids and read them stories. She set a good example for her children and taught them, “Life was too short to argue or fight.” Tootie enjoyed playing board games, cards, dominos, and marbles with relatives during the holiday gatherings. She also enjoyed dancing, playing softball, and living life to the fullest.

Tootie will be remembered for her wonderful cooking, especially her baked beans, spaghetti and potato salad. She will also be remembered for her big heart and undying faith in God. No matter what the circumstances, Tootie kept a positive attitude and left an amazing legacy to live by.

Those left to cherish her memory include her six children, Larry (Yvonne) Lawson, Joe (Lanelle) Lawson, Shirley (Doug) Hillman, David (Deb) Lawson, Mark (Sonja) Lawson and Gary (Rachel) Lawson; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia; parents; sisters, Grace and Emma “Tuffy”; brother, John; and great-grandson, Kaleb.