Marilyn Smithson Larson

Marilyn passed away peacefully in her bed next to the love of her life. Her unexpected ascension to heaven was swift to be joined by her parents and her Savior. Marilyn Smithson Larson was born on the 23rd of November, 1941 to Tom and Marie Smithson in Holbrook, Arizona. She was raised in Holbrook an had many happy memories of her litle town on Route 66 and her older sister Kathryn. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education. She loved teaching and soon became engaged to her eternal companion. They had 5 children and she stayed home with them to ensure their constant love and care. After her children were raised, she returned to education as a counselor at Dobson High school in Mesa, AZ. Marilyn was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints where she served in many positions, but Primary always had her heart. She taught her treasured class just days before her passing. She served two LDS missions with her soulmate, Bruce. The first in Salt Lake City and the second at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. She always had a love of Hawaii after her honeymoon and treasured returning as a missionary. Her life of service continued in the Desert Club of Mesa for many years, The Daughters of Utah Pioneers and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Although her community and church service were great, she cherished service within her own family as she daily checked in with her children and grandchildren. Her dedication to family was fierce, constant and unwavering. She loved to travel the world with her escort by her side and was up for any adventure from whitewater racing to skydiving. She taught us to be generous with your time, money, heart and to offer pure and unconditional love to all, especially family. She loved her Savior and prayed continually. Those who remain to cherish her memory are her beloved companion, Bruce; her daughters, Lisa Marie Halsey (Scot); Nicole Lee Stapley (Derek); and sons, Kent Aaron Larson (Carissa); Ryan Bruce Larson (Lisa); and Tyler Craig Larson. Her 10 treasured grandchildren Bailey, Hunter, Aiden Halsey; Cody, Lexi, Kylee, Sidney Stapley; Ryder Larson; Kian and Faryn Larson. She is also survived by her adored sister, Kathryn Neal (Tom).In lieu of flowers,

She would love donations to the LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund or the Salvationon Army.

Viewing and graveside dedicaton will be with her family followed by a celebraionon of life on the 56th anniversary of her engagement to Bruce.

To honor her love of Hawaii and happy, bright flowers, we invite all to celebrate her life in your flipflops, floral dresses/shirts or whatever you are most comfortable in!

Celebration- Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 11:00 am at the LDS chapel located on  21320 S. Greenfield Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85297 at 11:00 am

It will be livestreamed at: https://events.eventusai.com/wardbroadcast/live

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn Smithson Larson, please visit our floral store.