Kathleen Larson

1944 - 2025

Kathleen Larson

1944-2025

Draper, Utah-Kathleen Jones Larson passed away on October 12, 2025, of complications from Alzheimer's, surrounded by her children. She was 81 years old. Kathleen was born on May 18, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to her parents Ray and June Jones. She was the third of four children. Kathleen grew up in Sugar House on Dearborn Street and later on Grandview Circle, where she had a very happy childhood. She had many friends, many of whom she has stayed close with all her life. Kathleen attended Highland High School and graduated in 1962. She then attended the University of Utah where she studied Elementary Education and was also a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. It was there at the 'U' where she met our Dad, Leo Samuel Larson, on a blind date. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 8, 1964, and were always devoted members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They both held various church callings throughout their lives and very much enjoyed the friendships that were formed because of those opportunities.

They later moved to Page, Arizona, where they helped to run the Pink Sans Drive-in that Grandpa and Grandma Larson owned. They came to Page when the Glen Canyon Dam was being built and were among some of the early "pioneers" of Page. Later our Dad became a State Farm agent and they stayed in Page for 34 years, raising 7 children. Our parents provided a safe and wonderful childhood for all of us where they taught us the Gospel and also the value of hard work. Our family was blessed to have many dear friends in Page whom we love to this day. On October 21, 1998, our Dad passed away unexpectedly and our Mom became a widow at 54 years of age. She endured so much of life from this time on and did so with so much strength, courage, and a positive attitude. We love her so much for what she taught us about "blooming where you are planted" and persevering no matter what. At our Dad's passing they had 4 grandchildren and through the years that number grew to 34, five of whom are currently serving full-time missions all over the world.

In 1999, she moved to Draper, Utah, where she resided until her death. She made her home in the Cottages and continued a wonderful life being Grandma to all of her grandchildren. Her greatest joy was being a Mother and Grandmother. She was an impeccable homemaker and had a knack for decorating. She was also an avid shopper and had every closet in her house full of clothes to show for it. Our Mother was the most selfless person we know and is such a tremendous example of humility, kindness, and love. Everyone who entered her home felt welcomed. Her home was the hub for every grandchild where she delighted in spoiling them. She was always available to all of her children and grandchildren whenever they needed her. She is our angel Mother. She made many good friends who loved her and took especially good care of her these past few years, as she struggled with Alzheimer's. We are forever grateful for those who took the time to visit her, take her to lunch, to game night, to church, cared for her…the list goes on and on. We love you. It is sweet to know that our parents were both born in the month of May and also both passed away in the month of October. We are so happy they are finally reunited again after 27 years. The Plan of Salvation brings so much peace and comfort to us knowing their lives will now continue together forever.

Kathleen is survived by her 7 children, Scott (Nicole), Mark (Holly), Amy Drawe (Mark), Jennifer Lund (Mark), Adam (Abigail), Sarah Goodfellow (Cory), Sam (Stephanie); 34 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, with another on the way; her siblings Nancy Ashcroft, Nola Willardsen, Alan Jones (Kristy), sister in-law Carolyn Larson, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, parents in-law, Leo and Lillis Larson, brothers in-law, Vern Ashcroft, DeWayne Willardsen, Ken Larson, and her husband Leo.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Draper 9th Ward chapel-12353 S. 600 E. Draper, Utah, at 12:00 pm. No formal viewing will be held. Kathleen will be interred at the Page Cemetery in Page, Arizona, Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:00 pm(Az time). In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.