Beth Larsen Wilson Obituary

A live stream of services for Beth Wilson can be viewed here: https://sites.google.com/view/bethrenaewilsonsfuneral/home
Beth Renae Larsen Wilson, age 99, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Highland, Utah, surrounded by her loving children.
Viewings will be held Sunday, July 20, 6-7:30 pm and Monday, July 21, 9:30-10:30 am. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 21 at 11:00 am.
All gatherings will take place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel located at 9626 N 6800 W, Highland, UT 84003.
Life Sketch:
Early Life and Family (1926-1944)
Beth Renae Larsen was born on June 1, 1926, in Springville, Utah, to loving parents Wren and Nora Larsen. She was raised in a simple farming home in Leland, Utah, where tireless work and selfless service became the foundations of her character. Her father, Grandpa Larsen, always referred to Beth as his "queen of hearts" and taught her about sports, often drawing out what was happening on the court as they listened to games on the radio. Later in life, Beth became a devoted Cougar fan, cheering the loudest for every BYU win.
Beth grew up alongside her brothers Lee Wren Larsen and Ted Waldon Larsen, who became her best friends. The family was taught to work hard, to laugh, and to enjoy each other. This foundation of love, laughter, and industry would guide Beth throughout her life.
Education and Romance (1944-1946)
In 1944, Beth said goodbye to Spanish Fork High School and set her sights on "shining rainbows and exotic dreams" beyond the borders of her small hometown. As a freckle-faced, auburn-haired girl from quiet Leland, Utah, she could hardly have imagined the journey ahead.
With World War II casting a shadow over the nation and many young men called to serve, Beth pressed forward with determination, enrolling at BYU to pursue her education and her future.
While in Provo, Beth found an apartment with Grafalia Chaknias and a girl named Ila Wilson-who quickly became a kindred spirit and a turning point in Beth's life. After completing their first year at BYU, the two friends set out for Salt Lake City in search of work and new adventure.
Beth landed a job with the Tintic Standard Mining Company, working on the 11th floor of the Walker Bank Building, while Ila took a position at Hansen-Lime and Stucco Company. Together, they were young, independent, and ready to make their mark. During this time, Beth began exchanging letters with Ila's brother, Kenneth J. Wilson, a sailor stationed on remote Johnston Island. What began as a wartime correspondence soon blossomed into something deeper, carrying them through to the war's end and his return home. When they finally met in person, the connection was instant and undeniable. Just four months later, on September 11, 1946, Beth and Kenneth were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple-beginning a love story that would last a lifetime.
Early Marriage and Family Building (1946-1960s)
The newlyweds began their life together in a modest converted barracks at Stadium Village near the University of Utah, where Ken pursued his degree in electrical engineering over the next four years. Beth recalled attending their five-year Spanish Fork High School reunion with one child in tow-while many of their classmates already had two or more. It was just the beginning of a family story that would unfold in extraordinary ways.
As the years passed, their family grew-and grew-eventually numbering nine children, 43 grandchildren, 119 great-grandchildren, and 29 great-great-grandchildren. Beth often said that her husband, her children, her home, and the Church filled her life so fully that "my cup runneth over."
Years of Moving and Growing (1950s-1970s)
Ken's career in electrical engineering carried the family across the West. After their time in Stadium Village, they moved to a small apartment overlooking the Puget Sound in Seattle, Washington. But homesickness eventually called them back to Utah, where Ken took a position with the Bureau of Reclamation in Salt Lake City.
His work later took them to Carson City, Nevada, where they settled on a street affectionately known as "Mormon Row," surrounded by other Latter-day Saint families. Their seven years there were filled with growth, both in number and in memories. They loved showing guests the scenic beauty of nearby Lake Tahoe-and adding a little humor to their hospitality by inviting them to "lose their buck in the slot machines."
After four brief years back in Salt Lake City, the family relocated once more-this time to Montrose, Colorado. There, in the wide-open beauty of the Uncompahgre Valley, Ken continued his work for the Bureau, managing power sales from the great dams of the Colorado River. Most of Beth's children were raised in this picturesque town, whose mountains and meadows formed the backdrop for many of the Wilson family's most cherished years.
Beth later reflected with a smile on their pattern of moving: "Every time we bought a new house, we had a new baby and a new yard-it was always a dry lawn and a wet baby."
Service and Faith Throughout Life
Wherever Beth made a home, she was a dedicated servant of her Heavenly Father. She and Ken honored the covenants made in the Salt Lake temple by serving their neighbors and community. Ken was a bishop and Beth served in Primary and Relief Society in many esteemed leadership roles, but she always said her favorite was leading the singing in Primary.
Beth loved missionaries and they were a constant presence in her home. She invited them for dinners, holidays, and mended their clothes. She loved talking to them and helping them especially as she and Ken served in the MTC.
Later Years and Legacy
Beth's hands were never idle-she stitched, embroidered, and quilted, always with someone in mind. Whether it was a baby's birth or a friend's birthday, Beth marked it with something lovingly sewn by hand. And oh, could she cook. Even with six sharp-witted daughters, Beth's pies, rolls, and chocolates kept every son-in-law grounded and grateful.
Her gentle spirit and sincere concern made her a beloved visiting teacher to many families. A loving presence and faithful visits were in her DNA. Her own sweet mother passed away while dutifully walking across a planted field in summer heat to offer fellowship, clutching a visiting teaching lesson in her hands.
She was also blessed with devoted visiting teachers who pulled weeds, brought treats, celebrated birthdays, and never missed a chance to take her out to lunch. Even during the pandemic, when the world felt distant, love still reached her doorstep-she received over 50 birthday cards and read every single one.
Nearly every morning well into her 90s, she walked alongside four dear friends, forming both a routine and a bond. Even after breaking her hip, she remained determined-circling the driveway with her walker and pushing herself farther when she could, faithfully exercising her legs by the stairs just as her physical therapist had shown her.
Final Years and Passing
Beth's greatest joy was her family. She lovingly cared for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren-teaching, guiding, and cherishing each one. Together with Ken, she helped them turn testimony into action, and belief into a way of life living by faith and example. Every one of her children served the Lord and was sealed in the temple, a testament to the life she and Ken built with love and devotion.
The beauty of the outdoors was a constant thread woven through her life-Lake Tahoe's shimmering waters, Colorado's majestic peaks, and the familiar, comforting mountains of Utah. These places weren't just scenic; they were sacred spaces where the handiwork of the Master filled her heart and deepened her gratitude.
Beth Renae Larsen Wilson passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in her Highland, Utah home, surrounded by loving children. Her field of dreams had been well-tended-with plenty of sun, water, and grace. She often gave thanks to Heavenly Father for the blessing of being raised by devoted parents in Leland, Utah, who gave her a strong foundation-a beginning that blossomed into a life rich with joy, purpose, and love.
Her children- Diane Young (Pat), Carol Baker (LaRell), Ken Wilson (Rachael), Susan Neeley (Mark), Chuck Wilson (Valerie), Mary Larsen (Scott), Bruce Wilson (Kristy), Camille Smith (Michael) and Julie Stanley (Dave) are grateful for goodly parents and the love they were given.