Ellen Larsen's Obituary
Ellen Parkin Larsen of Woods Cross Utah completed her earthly journey at the age of 80 on her birthday, March 7, 2024. Ellen was born in Nephi Utah on March 7, 1944 to Frank & Valeria Parkin, the second of five children. She was blessed to have two brothers (Fred & Carl) and two sisters (Angela & Janette) in her life. After their mother passed away, their family grew to include to additional siblings (Doug & Judy) when their father married his second wife, Veda.
Growing up, Ellen loved to tag along with her father and in doing so, enjoyed learning how to fix things. Necessity is the mother of invention was her motto throughout her life. Ellen would rather take apart an appliance to figure out what was broken, rather than pay a repair man for something that she could take care of herself.
Ellen met her eternal companion, Darrell Larsen in 1963 when living in Salt Lake City while attending Stephens Henegar Business School. They were married and sealed together for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple on October 22, 1965. A few years later, they began their family with the birth of their first child, Andrea. Their love and family grew with the addition of each child: Denise, Stephanie, Jammi, Tyler and Erik. When they moved into their forever home, they met their new neighbors, Cowen & Tanna Baxter, who became not only lifelong friends, but extended family. They helped and supported each other as they raised their families side by side.
Darrell and Ellen took in their youngest son Erik’s three daughters, Samantha, HarlieAnne and Maranda, and raised them when Erik was unable. Ellen loved these girls as her own daughters, guided them through their individual struggles and was a stable influence in their lives. Her wonderful example of friendship, selflessness and unconditional love is undeniable and will last generations.
Ellen overcame several health issues in her life, surviving several types of cancer; only to deal with many complications resulting from hip replacement surgery. These complications eventually became life altering, confined her to her home. Even though each health issue dealt her with obstacles to overcome, she met each one with an “I can do this!” attitude and soldiered on as best she could and never complained through it all.
Ellen was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in several callings over the years which included being a Young Women’s advisor, a Cub Scout Leader and met and maintained friendships with several ladies in the Ward because of those callings.
Ellen cared about everyone that she met, but what made her happiest in life was taking care of children, babies to be exact. She loved to hold little babies while she rocked them to sleep. If you were to ask her what her greatest accomplishment was in life, without a doubt she would say it was being a mother and grandmother.
Ellen enjoyed working in the dirt, plants and flowers brought her so much joy. Ellen was an accomplished seamstress, making clothing for her children and taking time to make crafts with her children. She was amazing at crocheting and passed that love along to her children and grandchildren.
Ellen leaves behind her husband of 58 years, Darrell B. Larsen, five children: Andrea Rasmussen (Dale), Denise McRae (Dave), Stephanie Pace (Shane), Jammi Smith (Destin), Tyler Larsen (Kim); twenty grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank & Valeria Parkin, her stepmother, Veda Parkin, her brother Carl Parkin, and her son Erik Larsen.
We love her and will miss her every day!
Viewing will be held on Thursday, March 14th, from 6 – 8 pm. It will be held at the Woods Cross 6th Ward meeting house (790 West 1500 South, Woods Cross, UT.)
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 15th, from 11am at the same meeting house. With a viewing from 10am to 10:45am.
Internment will be held after funeral services at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery located at 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, UT.
NANA by Barbara Snook
Buttons from the button box
Stringing them end to end.
More precious in my memories
Than the most expensive gem.
We didn’t have much money,
But I sure did win the prize.
So much love around me
I can see it in your eyes.
From infancy through childhood,
Through the difficulty of my teens,
I know I’ll always remember
How you’ve helped me with my dreams.
The simple things you did for us
Seems to never end.
And still today at the age I am
I’m as lucky as I was back then.
No matter what life’s ventures
No matter where I’ll be,
I know I’ll always remember
How luck did shine on me.
Oh, nana you are special,
You are especially to me.
What’s your fondest memory of Ellen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ellen?
Share a story where Ellen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ellen you’ll never forget.
How did Ellen make you smile?