Luane McDonald Larsen

May 12, 1937 - August 7, 2018

Luane McDonald Larsen passed away 7 August 2018 in Highland, Utah, surrounded by her loved ones. Luane was born 12 May 1937 in Duchesne, Utah to David Lorenzo McDonald and Violet Ellen Jackson McDonald. She had a happy childhood in Duchesne, growing up the second of three girls. Her father passed away when she was 14 years old. His death left the family with many difficulties but Luane, her mother and sisters worked together to care for themselves. She loved her mother and sisters dearly. She married the love of her life, Lawrence (Larry) Bernard Larsen, on 30 March 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. Larry was in the Army and shortly after their marriage he was sent to Korea for two years near the end of the Korean War. While he was gone, Luane continued her education in Logan, Utah. Upon Larry’s return to the United States, the couple lived in Logan while Larry completed his degree in accounting at Utah State University. While in Logan, their little family started to grow as two children were born. The couple eventually settled in Vernal Utah where Larry opened an accounting practice. From a very young age, Luane loved music and specifically playing the piano. She had a natural gift for music and taught herself how to play the piano and later the organ. She was known for her musical abilities and shared those talents tirelessly as requested throughout the community including at church services, for church, community and school choirs as well as community and school plays. Luane also taught countless piano lessons to her children, and children and youth in the community. More than anything, Luane loved being a mother and grandmother. She and Larry have nine children and two foster children (Louise (Francis) Bedoni Ambrose and Seymore Bedoni). Luane built a home of love and happiness which resulted in many young people staying with them over the years. Luane was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held numerous callings at ward and stake levels. She loved to teach the gospel and to support those whom she had the opportunity to serve. She especially enjoyed family history work and attending the temple. She and Larry served two full-time missions for the LDS Church as family history missionaries. They were assigned to the family history center located in the Joseph Smith Building in Salt Lake City. She loved serving as a missionary and helping those who would visit the center. After their second mission, Luane and Larry moved to Highland Utah. Luane was preceded in death by her father on 15 January 1952, her mother on 24 December 1991 and older sister Emma Jean McDonald Wilcox on 30 January 2014. She is survived by her younger sister Hattie Lucinda (Wendell) McDonald Nyberg Gray of Pine Valley Utah; husband Larry of Highland Utah; daughter WoNae Meir of Riverton Utah; son David Bernard (Consuelo) Larsen of Highland Utah; son Jerry Dean (Ann) Larsen of Dry Fork Utah; daughter Ellen Luane (Carey) Christenson of American Fork Utah; son Keith Larry (Sheri) Larsen of Vernal Utah; son Mark Evan (Marianne) Larsen of Spanish Fork Utah, daughter Julie Kaye (Brent) Morrill of Highland Utah; daughter Teri Lyn (David) Andreasen of Brandon South Dakota; and daughter Elizabeth Ann (Adam) Larsen Nielson of Vernal Utah; forty grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; an additional four great-grandchildren on the way; and 3 great-great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Saturday August 18 at 11 am at the LDS Highland Utah Stake Center located at 5335 W 11200 N Highland Utah, where Viewings will be held Friday August 17 from 6 to 8pm and prior to services Saturday from 9:30-10:30am. Interment in Highland City Cemetery. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to all those who have blessed Luane’s life and helped her and the family over the past few years. A special thank you to the staff of Highland Glen Senior Living Center and First Choice Hospice with a personal thank you to Collette and Erin for their love and service. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.