Ann Katherine Larsen Lerwill

Preston, Idaho - - - Ann Larsen Lerwill

Preston - Ann Katherine Larsen Lerwill, 76, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2010 at the Heritage Home in Preston, Idaho. She was born January 12, 1934 in Baker, Oregon to Nettie Preece and Franklin Everett Larsen. She was the third child of four with two older brothers and one younger brother. She was raised in Baker, Oregon and Chester, California. Ann married her first husband Rayford Johnson in 1951. They had three children together, a son and two daughters. After Rayford passed away in 1956 in Alabama, Ann moved back to California to be near her family.

Her brother entered her in a game show in Los Angeles where she was crowned "Queen for a Day" in 1957. It was a blessing to her being a single mother with three young children. They provided some living essentials in addition to paying for her to attend dental assisting school in San Francisco. During this time she courted and married a childhood friend, Joral Page Lerwill, on October 19, 1957 in Minden, Nevada. They added two more daughters to their family and were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple. They spent many of their married years in Sacramento, California, while raising their family. They moved to Preston six years ago and really loved it. They were able to enjoy their 50th wedding anniversary before Joral unexpectedly passed away in September of 2007.

Mom's arms and heart held many babies and children. Through foster care Ann and Joral provided a safe, loving home for about 200 foster children over many years. During this time they added eight more children to the family with love through adoption.

Mom Held many callings in the LDS Church. Her love was in Primary. She served many years in the primary as District, Ward, and Stake Primary President in the different areas that she lived in. Mom also belonged to the Sacajawea camp in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers here in Preston. Mom had a strong testimony of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. She exemplified her beliefs throughout her life. She loved the beautiful earth and enjoyed rides throughout the countryside. She loved and respected her heritage and ancestors. She planned many experiences for her family that created treasures of happy memories.
She is survived by her 13 children, Stephen (Betty), of Sacramento, CA; Dara (Steven) Wilson, of Preston, ID; Kathy (Steve), of Sacramento, CA; Michelle, of Logan, UT; Susan, of Sacramento, CA; Mona (Mike), of Los Angeles, CA; Katie, of Tacoma, WA; Emily, Amy, Rustin, Matthew, Annie, of Richmond, UT; and Alicia, of Preston; 25 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren (so far.) She was preceded in death by her husbands, her parents, three brothers and two sons, two daughters, and three grandchildren. Her reunion was looked forward to and will be joyful for her.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 12:00 noon at Webb Funeral Home's new location, 1005 South 800 East, in Preston with Bishop Mark Beckstead conducting. A viewing will be held Thursday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Webb Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Franklin Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.