Pamela Larsen

1941 - 2024

Pamela Struve Larsen

1941 – 2024

Pamela Struve Larsen, our beautiful mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, April 10th.

Born in Salt Lake City on November 26, 1941, to Preston and Klea Struve. They took their family to Bellevue, WA, where Pam graduated from Bellevue High School.

She moved back to Salt Lake City where one day she pulled into a gas station in her convertible Thunderbird and pink hair, and the handsome employee was instantly star struck! She married Kent Larsen on June 22, 1962, in the Salt Lake Temple.

She and Kent raised their four boys, Trevor, Todd, Tyson, and Tait, mostly in the Harvard/Yale area of Salt Lake. There they had wonderful friends and great neighbors. Kent and Pam instilled their own sense of compassion, looking out for others, and generosity in all things with their boys. It was during this time that Ralph Lauren's POLO line became a fashion hit. Her boys recall taking the five-hour trip to Jackson Hole to the POLO outlet and return the same day with a carload of new clothes. They were dressed to the nines.

Many descriptions and adjectives could describe Pam. The one that encompasses them all is "magical." Her unmatched talents, her gorgeous smile, stunning blue eyes, her magnetic and charismatic personality, and her sense of humor, drew people from everywhere wanting to spend time with her. Wherever she was, the energy was turned up a notch. Upon learning of her passing, people of all ages and walks of life called her "iconic," a "legend," and "a force." All are true.

Pam's view of the world was unlike most. Her innate gift of style, design, color, and presentation, affected everything she saw, and everything she did. She was truly an artist in every sense of the word, which is why she was revered and looked to for inspiration. Her artistry was infused in her magnificent floral arrangements at hundreds of weddings and special events, making Christmas wreaths and decorating many homes, in her amazing recipes, in her over-the-top Thanksgiving dinners with the most glorious food and décor. She cooked three turkeys – one for eating and two for table decorations. If you were lucky enough to have ever been in attendance, it was a feast for your eyes, stomach, and your sense of sheer well-being.

When her boys attended school dances or any special event, they didn't give a nice wrist corsage. No, they gave 24 long-stemmed "fire and ice" roses. Her boys continued this loving practice with their own little girls on their birthdays.

Pam will surely be remembered for her incredible cinnamon rolls. Many of you reading this had the pleasure of enjoying every bite of one of those divine rolls. She spoiled many in her kids' and grandkids' school classes, PTA, Cub Scouts, church events, her son's professional work meetings, or wherever they wanted something really fantastic. She was the proud owner of Aunt Bob's Cinnamon Rolls in the heart of Crossroads Mall, where she made many dear friends.

Over the years, her entrepreneurial adventures included Precious Pottery and Dried Flowers, Etc. Her vase collection is not to be believed, and she even had her own kiln. She was always helping her friends with their endeavors, beautiful Arthur Court Silver, hosting Don Caster and Pampered Chef for her friends and daughter-in-law, and single-handedly put Red's on the map.

Pam's greatest qualities, however, were her personal attributes. She was engaging, fun, kind, tender-hearted, always interested and willing to help with your success, and very generous with her time and love. She planned wonderful birthdays, parties, and fantastic trips to New York with her grandchildren. To be around her was to laugh constantly, never wanting it to end. Her focus was always on you. When Kent surprised her on her 50th birthday with a wonderful luncheon, every table of women when introducing themselves, stated they were Pam's best friend! She was a treasured friend to so many.

When her grandchildren came along, they were instant, adored members of the Ooma and Grampy Fun House. Their home was the gathering place for all things cousin-fun -- movies, the best food, games, laughter, and sleepovers galore. Birthday dinners were often enjoyed at the Bonsai Japanese Steakhouse. When Pottery Barn Kids came to Trolley Square, Pam was the first employee besides their managers. Her intent for being there over 16 years was to be able to give her grandkids beautiful bedroom sets, fun clothes, and to expose them to hard work. She adored them right until the very end. And they adored her.

Pam will be forever greatly missed by her wonderful children, Trevor and Leslie Larsen, Todd and Mindy Larsen, Tyson and Angie Larsen, Tait and Brandy Larsen, and her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pam patiently looked forward to being with her eternal love Kent, her beloved mother "Nama," and her brother Courtney.

Her funeral service will be Saturday, May 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located at 2350 South 2100 East in Salt Lake City. There will be a viewing Friday night from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one before the service from 9:30-10:30. Same location. Her service will also be live streamed via Zoom. Please visit Pam's obituary page at www.larkinmortuary.com for information.