Sally Lynne Huntington Larsen's Obituary
It is with a sense of both sorrow and celebration that we announce the peaceful passing of our treasured matriarch, Sally Lynne Huntington Larsen, on October 12, 2023. Through each chapter of her 80-year journey, Sally was the embodiment of love, resilience, and generosity.
The early pages of her life began in Tooele, Utah, where she was born on May 30, 1943, to adoring parents Kenneth and Florence Huntington. Ten years the junior of her late brother, Larry, Sally cherished her family bonds and the friendships she made, laying the foundation for lifelong relationships that she would carry in her heart until the end.
Upon moving to Murray, Utah, in her teenage years, Sally quickly became a beacon of spirit and leadership at Murray High School. Her dazzling smile—earning her the affectionate nickname ‘Grinner’—made her a natural choice for roles in student government and social events, like Homecoming and ‘Hello Day’ Queen. This chapter marked the beginning of Sally’s journey into community involvement, a theme that would weave through her life like golden thread.
In the hallways of the University of Utah and the Delta Gamma sorority, Sally’s path intersected with that of John Paul Larsen, a member of the Beta Theta Pi. That meeting would culminate in a loving 49-year union. They married on July 15, 1966, in the Salt Lake Temple, a sacred place that had always offered Sally spiritual solace. Together, they authored a family narrative filled with love and adventure, raising five children—Michael, Alisa (and spouse Samuel), Christian, Aaron (and spouse Jana), and Erik-Dean (and spouse Cee-Cee)—and showering love on their 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren-to-be.
Sally’s professional chapter was written in classrooms across Utah and California, where she was not merely a teacher but a nurturer of young minds. Her influence stretched beyond the academic, earning her numerous awards and the opportunity to mentor future educators. Her personal motto, ‘A stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet,’ was evidenced by the impact she had on everyone who crossed her path (especially at the local grocery store- her children fondly remember being introduced to people non-stop).
Deeply rooted in her faith, Sally served her community and church with an open heart. A cornerstone of the Sharon 5th Ward, her spiritual and social contributions were felt far beyond the walls of the chapel in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She proudly wore her missionary badge as she served at the BYU Genealogical Library for several years in the latter part of her life. This was most evident during holiday gatherings, where Sally turned ordinary moments into unforgettable family traditions. Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day and the 4th of the July will never be the same without her.
Fulfilling a lifelong desire for exploration, Sally and John filled their home with global treasures, each object a chapter of their shared adventures. From award-winning gardening (Orem City gave them a plaque for the beautification they encompassed in their yard) to genealogical research and scrapbooking for all her children and grandchildren, Sally was a lifelong learner, continuously adding to the rich tapestry of her interests and passions.
In Sally’s own poignant words from 2015, ‘Life has been challenging… Nonetheless, I’m grateful to God for the gift of life. I miss John terribly.’ With her passing, Sally is reunited with John and others she held dear, closing one chapter and beginning another of eternal peace.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and friends at Covington Assisted Living in Orem, who made Sally’s final months filled with love and companionship.
Sally leaves behind not just a book of memories but a library of lives touched, lessons taught, and love given. She will be forever etched in the hearts of all who knew her.
Funeral services will be Monday, October 16 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 545 South 800 East, Orem, from 11:00 – 12:00. There will be a viewing on Sunday, October 15 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the same location, and prior to her Celebration of Life from 9:30 - 10:30 am. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Hills, 4800 North 650 East, Provo. Anyone interested in sending memories or condolences, please forward to Premier Funeral Services at www.premierfuneral.com.
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