LaRue Francis

1927 - 2018

With courage and poise, that were hallmarks of her earthly journey, LaRue Wood Francis passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the age of 91 years. LaRue was the beloved wife to the late Rell Gordon Francis, cherished mother and grandmother. 

 Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, December 13, 2018 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and at the church prior to the funeral service on Friday, December 14, 2018 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.

 The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden. 

 LaRue is survived by her children Michael (Dawn) Francis of Orem, Utah, Greg (Shirley) Francis of Taber, Kim (Jenny) Francis of Taber and Kathryn (Doug) Turner of Chilliwack, British Columbia; fourteen grandchildren, forty eight great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. 

 She was predeceased by her adoring husband of sixty two years Rell Francis; infant son Christopher Francis; two grandsons, Ethan Anderson and Parker Turner. 

 LaRue leaves behind a legacy of faith in trials, cheerfulness, and a deep and abiding love for her spouse, family, and for the Savior Jesus Christ. She will be remembered as a refined homemaker, an amazing cook, and a loyal and understanding friend. 

 LaRue was born September 1, 1927 in Farmington, Utah to Iva (nee Smith) and Clifton Bird Wood. LaRue attended Brigham Young University in 1945 and worked in the Paramount Theater. It was here she met Rell. They began a beautiful courtship, dancing and singing together, and were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 11, 1946. They moved to the family farm where Rell became a teacher and LaRue embraced motherhood. She was stricken with polio after the birth of her third child at the young age of twenty six. This was a difficult trial that required her to be separated from her family and in the hospital for a year. LaRue's faith was magnified and her prayers were answered when she regained the ability to walk again. 

 LaRue never complained and did not let her physical challenges stop her from expanding their family, serving in church callings, or keeping a beautiful home and garden. Her family will miss her resilient, compassionate and generous presence, but know she and Rell will be twirling through the halls of heaven with great joy.