Jerilyn McGee Lawson, 77, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2016 in Kenai, Alaska.

      A private burial will be held in Butte, Montana.

      She was born on October 2, 1938 in Butte, Montana, the daughter of Fred M. and Hazel E. McGee.   She earned a history and philosophy degree from St. Mary's College in Leavenworth, Kansas.   She earned a Master's Degree in theater from the University of Kansas, and a Master's Degree in therapeutic recreation from Eastern Washington University in 1979.

      She raised 4 children as a single mother and was known as the neighborhood mom, taking care of anything from baby birds to kids who she counseled.   In addition to being a nature enthusiast, her pastimes included sewing and canning.

      She was a recreational therapist in Spokane, Washington for 26 years before retiring and moving back to her hometown of Butte, Montana to take care of her mother.   There she worked again in the same medical field, until retiring for good in 2003.   In 2009, she moved to Kenai, Alaska, living close to her daughter, Kristin Peek.   There she enjoyed the birds, rabbits and moose.

      She is preceded in death by her brother, Freddie McGee; father, Fred McGee; and mother, Hazel McGee.

      She is survived by her sons, Michael Lawson (Christie) of New Braunfels, Texas, Larry Lawson, MD, of Kansas City, Missouri and Jay Lawson of Mississippi;   daughter, Kristin Peek (Michael) of Kenai;   brother, William McGee of Butte, Montana;   and grandchildren, Shalene Wheeler, Tyler Peek, Andrew Lawson, Abby Lawson and Jacob Lawson.

      In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society or the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank.

      Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai.

      Express condolences to mkstpeek@gmail.com .