Lyla Larsen Blackburn Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Lyla Larsen Blackburn Lyla Josie was born on May 27, 1929 in Provo, Utah to Alexander Josie and Irma Hadlock. She was the first of 4 children followed by Bob, Rosalie, and Carol. There are so many things that we have come to know and love about her: SHE WAS CREATIVE As a little girl Lyla loved to dance. She would put on her little red dress and twirl around her living room anticipating her future as a beautiful dancer. Playing with her dolls she became a nurse, a teacher and a beautician; all roles that she would use later on in the career she would spend her life pursuing….. a mother. SHE WAS TENACIOUS When Lyla got an idea in her head, there was no stopping her. One Sunday afternoon, she decided there was a movie that she wanted to see. Her father reminded her that their family did NOT go to movies on Sunday. Well, she did go to that movie and after it was over, she walked home and stood outside of her house for 2 hours preparing for the spanking she would get. Whatever Lyla wants……..Lyla gets! SHE WAS MISCHIEVOUS At 18 years old, Lyla went to the Rainbow Room to dance. That night she met the best dancer she had ever seen! He was a handsome military man named Clair Larsen. A year later they married 1948 in the Manti Temple and then the fun began - along came the joys of her life. David James was born on December 27th, Sherry on March 17th, Nancy Carol on January 20th, Bonnie Sue on December 29th and ReNae on July 27th. SHE WAS HARD WORKING Sherry said, “If we learned anything from our Mom, it was hard work!” It was work with a song for her kids and grandkids as the comet in the toilet was being scrubbed - When We’re Helping We’re Happy was being sung. She was a seamstress extrordinaire and sewed all of her childrens’ school clothes each year. She made new dresses for every prom, every holiday and even homemade nightgowns and pajamas at Christmas. Ohhhhh - Lyla’s homemade bread and cinnamon rolls!! Many is the time overeager neighbors would invite themselves to her doorstep for the promise of warm, browned butter and gooey honey glazing. In the summer, apricots from her tree would become delicious jam and fruit leather. All of the kids became the assembly line when she was juicing tomatoes for spaghetti sauce or her wonderful Spanish rice. She would try new recipes all the time and some of them were really good. SHE WAS CARING After Clair died, Lyla decided to marry Tone Blackburn. She always seemed at her best when she had someone to love and take care of. They were married for 10 years before Tone passed away. SHE HAD FAITH Lyla had great faith. It began when she was a child and grew with her throughout her life. She demonstrated that faith through the Mormon church by serving both the young and old in Primary, Relief Society, Scouts, Young Women and Sunday School as well as singing in the choir. She loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ. SHE WAS JOYOUS Whenever you saw Lyla, she was smiling. Kindness and joy radiated from her and people were naturally drawn to her. Her grandchildren always loved going to see Grandma Larsen. Even at the end of her life, she was so generous with her smiles and kind words. Don’t cry because she is gone. Smile because, SHE WAS … a part of all our lives. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 25th, at 12:00 noon, at the Timpview 3rd & 5th Wards Chapel, 865 West 1000 North, Orem, UT, where a Viewing will be held prior from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Interment in Orem City Cemetery. For those that would like to see some cute photos of Mom, please visit the Summerfield Retirement (Orem, UT) Facebook Page and click on Photos. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.

Lyla Larsen Blackburn

May 27, 1929 - February 22, 2017

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