Babette Gay Lahrs (Perley)

BRONSON, Iowa -- Babette G. Lahrs, 54, of Bronson died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, at a Sioux City hospital, surrounded by her family.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Community Presbyterian Church in Lawton, Iowa, with the Rev. Cindy Ripperger and Lorna Peters officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 3:30 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent online to www.christysmith.com .

Babette was born July 23, 1956, in Sioux City, the daughter of Ivan and Lucile (Lorenzen) Perley. She lived in Sioux City, graduating from East High School in 1974. She was employed by W.A. Klinger for many years, starting in June 1975.

She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Daryl Lahrs, on April 25, 1975. They built their home in rural Bronson and raised three sons.

Babette loved spending time with her family. Along life's journey she worked on projects from cars to gardening. She and Daryl graciously hosted annual family reunions at their home outside of Bronson for more than two decades. Babette enjoyed crafting special gifts for her family and friends, and spent many years crocheting and tatting. Babette was very active in the Bronson and Lawton Presbyterian churches, having taught Sunday school for 25 years. Together, Babette and Daryl led church youth groups many places over many years. She started and assisted in many projects and missions within her church and work communities.

Babette is survived by her devoted husband, Daryl; three sons, Nick and Courtney Lahrs of Bronson, Nate and Amy Lahrs of Lawton, and Nelson Lahrs at home; granddaughters, Peyton, Paige, and Sydney; a sister, Barbara Pittman; a brother, Skip and Cathy Perley; many special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins; and many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Bonnie, in infancy.