Mary Ellen Larsen

Mary Ellen Larsen, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025 at the age of 66 years, returning home to greet her sister Carol and many others who loved her. Although the last months of her life were taxed by the significant impacts of colon and liver cancer, she was also surrounded by an endless stream of love as family and friends came to her side in the final months of her life. Through that time, she continued to share her beautiful smile with those around her, and enjoyed the presence, sense of belonging, and connection that everyone offered her.

Mary Ellen was born in Salt Lake City on May 10, 1958 as the middle child of three to Richard Blaine and Grace Irene (Miller) Anderson. At the tender age of 5 years old she unexpectedly lost her father. At the same time her mother became unable to care for her and her siblings, and was primarily absent until Mary Ellen was about 13 years old. This trio of siblings was affectionately referred to as the “three kids” after they were taken in and raised near Rose Park in Salt Lake City by their maternal grandparents, Henry and Lillian Miller.

Mary Ellen attended Rose Park Elementary, Northwest Junior High, and graduated in 1976 from West High. She later married Eugene Larsen in Ferron, where her big brother was honored to walk her down the aisle. Eugene and Mary Ellen built a life in Fillmore and were later blessed with two incredible children, Alicia and Devin. From day one, Mary Ellen delighted in her beautiful granddaughter, Eve Lorelei.

Through the adversity and losses of her childhood came many strengths and a fiercely independent streak. She made her own pathway in life, and chose to spend her time and energy on the things she loved, whether it was her hobbies, or in the people she formed connections with through their shared interests, especially craftwork and exercise. To know Mary Ellen was to know her personality, drive, and motivation in addition to her infectious laughter, big smiles, playfulness, and mischief. She possessed an incredible work ethic and formed deep bonds with many of her co-workers through settings such as sewing plants, restaurants, cafes, hardware stores, and manufacturing warehouses. She enjoyed helping others through service and acts of kindness, especially when they were struggling with illness or disease.

To her last day, Mary Ellen remained fiercely devoted to those she loved. She and Brian and their dog Wido shared many adventures, both big and small, during their six years together. Some of her happiest moments and biggest smiles came from her children and granddaughter, and she delighted in being connected and involved in their accomplishments and milestones. Brian’s round-the-clock care, many beloved visitors, and a picture of Eve placed near her bedside gave her great peace and happiness in her final days.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband Brian Coles and dog Wido; daughter Alicia (Nathan) Dabney, and son Devin Larsen; granddaughter Eve Dabney; brother Blaine (Diane) Anderson. She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Grace Anderson, and her sister, Carol (Dale) Smith.

Funeral services to celebrate Mary Ellen will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Memorial Redwood, 6500 S. Redwood Road in West Jordan, Utah 84084.

Service Details
Viewing 9:00am-10:45am
Service 11:00am-12:00pm
Graveside Service 12:30pm