LaRue Roberts Stevens' Obituary
LaRue Roberts Stevens passed away peacefully at home in Lindon, Utah on May 11, 2015 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in beautiful Star Valley Wyoming to Lorin and Ruth Hokanson Roberts on June 5, 1925. She was the eldest of five children. As a young girl she loved exploring the mountains with her father, riding her horse Midge and learning new things. She was a stellar student, graduating from high school just after her 17th birthday, and Ricks College two years later with a degree in education. She taught in a one-room school house in Swan Valley Idaho and then moved to a “city” school in Montpelier, Idaho. She was a beloved teacher and a few of her students kept in contact, writing to her for over 65 years.While teaching in Montpelier, she was introduced to her future husband Arvel M. Stevens and after a courtship which included fishing trips and lots of visits to the ice cream parlor, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 22, 1948and made their home in Seattle, Washington where they raised their family.
LaRue had a passion for learning and instilled a love of knowledge and curiosity in her children and grandchildren, many of whom now hold advanced college degrees. She was an avid library user and voracious reader, the Orem Library was one of her “happiest places on earth”.In her seventies and early eighties she simultaneously belonged to three different book groups. She was a skilled seamstress and loved to sew and design her own clothes, knit beautiful sweaters, play the piano, as well as grow flowers and vegetables in her garden and take long walks along the beach at Puget Sound. She made wonderful salads and cinnamon rolls. She worked as a proof-reader for a Seattle paper and found great joy in her volunteer work at Highland Park Elementary School teaching struggling children to read. She was truly generous with her time, talents, and shared all with those in need.
LaRue had a sparkling smile and twinkling eyes that brightened the room and made everyone feel welcome and at ease. She was loved by all who knew her. Young children were especially drawn to her, she had a unique gift for working with them. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and each child felt like they were “the favorite.” She especially enjoyed her watching her family play in school soccer and baseball games. She was a huge baseball fan and loved following the Mariners’ successes.
LaRue was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a faithful visiting teacher and served in Primary and Relief Society in various capacities. She loved serving in the Seattle Temple and for many years once a week on her day off would take a 40-minute bus ride to Bellevue, attend two sessions and ride the bus home. She had a strong testimony of the gospel and tremendous faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ.
LaRue is survived by her six children: Merleen (Lee) Malmberg, Farmington, Utah; Steve, Montpelier, Idaho; Richard (Lucy), Auburn, Washington; Mark (Lori), Lindon, Utah; Christine Stevens, Renton, Washington; Alan (Barbara), Farmington, Utah. Twelve grandchildren: Eric (Kerryn), David, Nathan Malmberg, Ben Stevens, Jared (Melena), Mark (Kendall), Jon Stevens (Porsche), Elisabeth (Russell)Whitchurch, Joshua, Jon, Rachelle, and Rebecca, Stevens.Nine great-grandchildren her brother Briscoe (Brenda) Roberts, of Rexburg, Idaho, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Cliel Roberts, sisters Beth Roberts, Gayle Weeks, and her husband Arvel.
Services will be held Friday, May 15, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Lindon Central Stake Center, 56 East 600 North, Lindon, Utah. Friends may call from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. prior to service. Interment will be in the Lindon City Cemetery.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Kelcey, Nancy, Darla, Donna, Robin, Bob, Toni, Ann from Encompass Home Health and Hospice for their assistance in helping LaRue enjoy her final years to the fullest.
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