Ladeen Furner

Lois "Ladeen" Kunze Furner, 84, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born March 11, 1940, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Howard Raymond and Lois May Jex Kunze. Ladeen was the eldest of four children. She graduated from Pocatello High School and LDS Business College.
Ladeen met her eternal companion, Ron Furner, while working as a secretary at Bennett's Paint and Glass. They were married in the Logan Temple on August 5, 1960, and raised their family in Utah. Together, they welcomed three sons: James, Blaine, and Mark. They were overjoyed to be blessed with a daughter, Becckie.
Ladeen cherished her role as a homemaker, finding joy in preparing delicious meals for her family and baking bread for loved ones. Her home was a gathering place, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and cookies filled the air. Gardening was one of her great passions, and she, along with her family and a close circle of friends, grew fruits and vegetables on a one-acre plot of land. The harvest was always enough to support her family, and Ladeen generously shared the bounty with others. She was always planning for the next growing season, preserving the harvest, and fondly reminiscing about the rewards of her hard work as she served fresh or preserved food to her loved ones.
Ron and Ladeen, along with their sons, built a cherished cabin in Weber Canyon, where countless happy memories were created. Buttermilk biscuits, a family favorite, were always a highlight of their time at the cabin. Ron and Ladeen also created a beloved tradition of celebrating each grandchild's birthday with a special dinner and an overnight stay, building lasting memories together.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ladeen served faithfully in numerous callings, including Young Women, Relief Society, and Cub Scouts. Her commitment to service extended beyond the local community. Ladeen embodied the spirit of Elijah, dedicating herself to extensive family history research-not only on the Jex/Kunze family lines but also on the Furner/Taylor lines. She knew more about her in-laws' history than her own. Her actions towards others were a true reflection of Christlike love. Ron and Ladeen served multiple missions for the Church, including in the Laotian/Thai branch, the University of Utah 1st Stake, and at LDS Business College. They deeply loved the people they served and cherished the opportunity to share the gospel.
Ladeen possessed a gentle and caring spirit. Even as her memory began to fade, she always inquired about the well-being of others and expressed her love for her family. She had a warm infectious smile that made new acquaintances feel like lifelong friends, and this gift helped her continually expand her circle of friends.
Ladeen is survived by her three sons: James (Janet), Blaine (Cyndi), and Mark (Kelly 2019); her daughter, Becckie; eight grandchildren: Travis, Trevor, Chanelle, Calli, Tyler, Jeremy, Megan, and Ashley; seven great-grandchildren (with two on the way); and her brother, Ray (Pat). She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ron, her brothers William Kunze and Kenneth Kunze, and her daughter-in-law Kelly.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Cedarwood Senior Living for the love and care they provided to Ladeen over the past five years. She absolutely loved living there and cherished the staff. Additional thanks to Canyon Home Health and Hospice for their loving care during her final days.
A viewing will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday, January 18th. A viewing will be held that day from 9:00 to 9:45 am and the funeral services will begin at 10:00 am.
Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.