LaRae Staheli Farnsworth

Our beloved mother and devoted grandmother, LaRae Staheli Farnsworth, age 85, returned home to her Father in Heaven on July 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She passed peacefully due to causes incident to age.

LaRae was born on May 8, 1940, in Enterprise, Utah, to Raymond Albert and Thelma Truman Staheli. She was the youngest of seven children: Alta, Heber, Emmarene, Merrill, Roma, Jane, and LaRae. A lifelong resident of Enterprise, she cherished her roots and the community that shaped her life.

She met her eternal sweetheart, Gary Elmo Farnsworth, after his family moved to Enterprise during their teenage years. They were sealed in the St. George Temple on November 1, 1958, and shared 64 years of marriage. They are now joyfully reunited. They left a beautiful legacy of commitment, perseverance, and love for their posterity.

LaRae’s life was one of unwavering service, deep faith, and immense love. Her greatest joy was her family, and she found strength, peace, and direction through the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was happiest when serving others. Her acts of kindness throughout her life are innumerable.

With her talent, hard work, and generous heart, she blessed countless lives. Whether it was homemade bread, hand-rolled noodles, baked goods, quilts, fresh garden vegetables, hand-crafted Christmas candy, jam, donuts, or other gifts—each was given with love. Her selfless service touched her 8 children, 50 grandchildren, 109 great-grandchildren (two on the way), and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

LaRae treasured the temple. Her love for the House of the Lord was a guiding force throughout her life. She and Gary faithfully served as ordinance workers in the St. George Temple for 18 years. Together, they also served missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Winnipeg, Canada; Chicago, Illinois; and the Nauvoo, Illinois Temple. Their time as missionaries was a treasured chapter in their lives, and their faith in Jesus Christ shone brightly in all they did. Their offering to the Lord was their family.

As a devoted disciple of Christ, LaRae accepted every calling with humility and diligence. She served tirelessly and with joy.

LaRae wasn’t all sweetness—she had a playful side too. She delighted in the sourest gooseberries and candies with “pucker power,” and loved scaring people with her collection of masks and costumes—especially trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Alta, Roma, and Emmarene; brothers Heber and Merrill; son-in-law Curt Dial; grandchildren Brandie Bracken and Wendy Pollock; and great-grandchildren Gunner Bracken, Ensley Olsen, Skiler Bracken, and Carter Stratton.

She is survived by her loving children: Blane (MaRee) and Ross (Sherilyn), both of Enterprise, UT; Bernice (Brian) Stratton of Hurricane, UT; Glenda (Merril) Pollock of Enterprise, UT; LaDonna (Russ) Smith of Moroni, UT; Cindy Dial of South Jordan, UT; Russell (Jenny) of Herriman, UT; and Greg (Amy) of Lubbock, TX. She is also survived by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and her beloved sister, Jane Hunt.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Monday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 80 South Center, Enterprise, Utah.

Interment will follow at the Enterprise, Utah Cemetery under the direction of McMillan Mortuary. Our family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Glenda, Morgan, and Summit Hospice for their tender care during LaRae’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends and loved ones to honor LaRae’s memory through an act of kindness, service to a neighbor, or time spent in the temple—emulating the beautiful way she lived her life.

Funeral services may be viewed by clicking the livestream below.