Merlee May Smith Larsen Obituary (1929

Merlee May Smith Larsen, 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully Friday, November 27, 2020 in her home surrounded by her loving family. Merlee was born April 17, 1929 in Randolph, Utah, a daughter of Fred and Phebe Smith. She was molded by the Great Depression and felt the tragedy of World War II with 3 brothers enlisted and one wounded. She worked hard in her home, hanging clothes on the clothesline, chopping kindling, churning butter, and cleaning the house. Her least favorite job was dusting and still is to this day! During the summers she worked on the family dry farm near Bear Lake. She loved horses, surrounded herself with cousins and enjoyed swimming at Bear Lake. She graduated from South Rich High School and earned a scholarship to Utah State University where she studied clothing and textiles. She then attended BYU for 3 years studying a variety of subjects but focusing on typing, shorthand, and Business English her last year, so she could get a job as a secretary. At age 23, Mom served a mission to New England where she labored diligently in Maine and Massachusetts, experienced the big city of Boston and worked with her future husband, Ken, in the mission home. He was charmed by her smile, laugh, and outgoing personality. After her mission, she was a secretary in the First Presidency’s office under President David O. McKay. After seeing Mom at a few missionary reunions, our Dad boldly proposed marriage via a letter without a response from her. He remained persistent though and they later married in the Logan Temple on November 10, 1955. Mom and Dad were dedicated to raising their nine children in California and Provo and to teaching them how to work, to enjoy all things BYU, and to especially love the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mom had a long list of chores and insisted that we work in the garden, pulling weeds, and taught us how to clean properly. She served faithfully in the Primary, several times as compassionate service leader, and in many other callings. Mom enjoyed cooking and sewing clothing for her children, but she especially loved reading, studying the scriptures, listening to music, singing, and traveling. She was able to visit Israel, Egypt, Brazil, Mexico, U.S., and Church History sites and many other places with Ken or one of her children. She auditioned for the Tabernacle Choir and performed in two operas at the University of Utah Concert Hall. Mom could frequently be heard singing through her open window into the neighborhood. Several of her recipes are legendary, including sweet rolls, frozen fruit salad, casserole smetane, and chilighetti. Mom’s “greatest” accomplishment after raising nine children was graduating from BYU in 1992 at the age of 62 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. We are so proud of her! In 1996, Mom and Dad served a mission to Jackson, Mississippi. She was a shining example of how to truly love one another. She says her greatest joy in life was having children and having a family. In recent years, she enjoyed hosting family devotionals every Sunday where she taught her children and grandchildren about the gospel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Martin Larsen, a grand and great-grandchild, her parents, and all 9 siblings. Mom is survived by her nine children, Debra, Joseph (Teresa), Rebecca Robertson (Charles), Paul (Roberta), John (Shawnell), Peter (Alicia), James, Mark, and Rachel Squire (Tom); 29 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Private family funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 5, 2020. Interment and a graveside service for her friends and family will be held at the Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street, Provo, Utah. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com.