Kaye Larsen

January 26, 1945 - December 22, 2016

In loving memory of Kaye Maureen Francis Larsen - born Rochester, Kent England 26th January, 1945. Returned to our Heavenly father - Provo, Utah U.S.A. 22nd December 2016. Kaye leaves behind two children - Wayne Lewis Larsen and Kerri Anne Larsen-Long. Five grandchildren - Garrett Long, Ric Long, Aubrey Long. Kaylee Long and Dylan Long, and one Great grandson - Rowan Michael Long. Kaye also leaves behind brothers and sisters, Kerry, Glenda, Kathleen, Cindy, Tony, Laurence and Karen. She was preceded in death by her father, Albert Alexander Francis, her mother, Daphne Marigold Tilley, her sister, Wendy Jill Francis and her brother, Gary John Francis. Kaye grew up in England where she learned to love and appreciate the outdoors. She lived closed to the River Medway and would spend countless hours exploring the nooks and crannies along the Sea Wall, popping the seaweed and looking for winkles under the rocks. She loved the woodlands that surrounded the town where they grew up and spent many hours in the woods playing imaginary games. She especially loved the woods in the Springtime when the bluebells would come out in abundance, spreading their sweet fragrance through the woodlands and covering the ground in an expanse of purple/blue hue. She loved the local football team in Gillingham, known as the "Gills". She would drag along one of her sisters or brothers every week, with the promise of a sweet treat. Kaye joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in England and loved serving others. She was a "youth" missionary, where she learned to love and spread the gospel to others. Kaye came over to the United States as a "nanny" to a family in New York. After her services as a nanny, she came to Lehi, Utah where she later married Lee Christian Larsen. They were blessed with two beautiful children whom Kaye loved dearly. She later divorced, and continued to raise her two children on her own. She moved to Springville, Utah where she spent the remainder of her life. She loved hiking in the mountains in Provo canyon and in the mountains surrounding Springville. She loved the flowers and loved growing vegetables in pots. She loved the wards members and made many very dear and special friends. She loved serving in the community at the Senior Centre, and loved making quilts that she donated to the hospitals/police departments in the area for the children in need. She had a knack for remembering birthdays and always made a cake or some other treat to share with her friends and neighbours. She would continually bake and leave goodies and little notes on everyone's door steps. Kaye loved to reach out and connect with people. Kaye loved to read and was so proud of her brother, Laurence for a book he published this year, called Horatio Hobbs and The Calimor. She was so excited when he sent her a signed copy of his book and read it in two days!! Kaye loved genealogy and spent countless hours researching, gathering information and compiling the family history into binders. Because of her dedication, there are pictures of family members that I have never seen before. Because of her, I was able to enter the information into the temple system and had the privilege of completing generations of family work and of having my father and mother sealed this year, along with other family members and other generations. I would like to thank the many friends who took time to come and visit with my sister, Kaye when they found out she was ill. There was such an outpouring of love from her bishop, former bishops, ward members, and dear friends. I know she knew of your presence and love and concern for her well-being. God Bless you all for your love and support during this difficult time. A memorial service in her honour will be held at a later date. Information will follow shortly. Please wear something blue in her honour, as it was her favourite color. GONE TOO SOON Dearest, sister, mother and grandmother of ours How little did we understand or know. That when we spent our last time together For a season, we would have to let you go. For reasons unknown to us at this time, You have returned to our Heavenly Father above. And as we now struggle with our own grief and pain We at least have my sweet memories of love. You brought such joy and goodness to our lives And to all others who had the privilege of knowing you. You were loving and caring to your family and friends And because of this we all blossomed and grew. You left nothing but joy to those you served, And they now have a big void to fill. For you left behind a legacy of service and love And hearts that are broken must heal. But dearest sister, mother and grandmother of ours It is us who must learn to somehow go on. You will always hold such a special place in our hearts And because of your example, we know we can be strong. If it was not for the Plan of Salvation in our lives, And the knowledge that we will see you again. If it was not for the testimony that our Saviour lives, We would not be able to endure this terrible pain. For a short time, we must say goodbye to you, But you will always hold a special place in our hearts. We cannot wait until we can be together again, And all earthly sorrows and pains depart. And although, Father, we still feel she left us too soon We also know she first belonged to you. So, Heavenly Father, thank you for sharing her with us Please grant us peace until we can all meet anew. By Glenda Francis Snodgrass