Dorothy Geneva Larson

Preston, ID - Dorothy Geneva Bench Larson, 99, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, reuniting with many loved ones awaiting her.  Born on April 16, 1915 in Logan, Utah, she was the eldest daughter of Hyrum Jeppesen and Margaret Geneva Benson Bench.

She grew up in Logan, attending the local schools and graduating from Logan High School.  She attended Utah Agricultural College, where she met the love of her life, Lynn Alma Larson.  Prior to their marriage in the Logan LDS Temple on May 5, 1937, she graduated from beauty college.  Together they lived in Logan, Wellsville, Sunnyside, WA, Arco, ID and Preston, ID.  Their union produced six children: Lynene Larson, Preston;  Richard, deceased, (Betsey) Larson, Arimo, ID; Rodney (Linda) Larson, Kennewick, WA; Patricia (Dan, deceased ) Gyllenskog, Smithfield, UT;, Debbie Woytko, Logan, UT and Melanie (Stewart) Bastian, Weston, ID. 

How do you find the words to describe a life of exemplary humility, unwavering work ethic and unconditional love?  She was always finding something to keep her busy, never wasting a moment on idleness.  She worked at Sprouse Reitz and Foss Clothing in Preston, Idaho, making friends of all who entered.  An excursion to the  grocery store was an opportunity to visit with everyone she knew.....and that was not a small number!  She could be seen walking to town, being offered rides and turning them down because she needed her exercise.  She never wanted to put anyone out, and would go to great lengths to not be a burden. 

Family was of utmost importance . She delighted in her 23 grandchildren, rejoicing in their many accomplishments and successes.  The next generation of 51 great-grandchildren loved going to Grandma Dorothy's and she was just starting to enjoy a new generation of 1 great-great grandson. 

Music was an important part of her life and she surrounded her family with that joy.  It was a large disappointment when her hearing started to fade and she could no longer enjoy that pleasure.   

Christmas was one of her favorite holidays.  She loved the beauty and peacefulness of the Christmas lights and would leave her tree up well into February.  A visit to her  home meant food, conversation and fun.  We will all miss her fudge and puffed rice balls, which were made with the secret ingredient of love.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-da;y Saints, serving in numerous calllings in the different auxiliaries over the years.  Her last dedication of servitude was making certain the bishop received her tithing.

She will be tenderly missed but we rejoice in the joy of her reunion with those who preceded her in death: her parents; her siblings, Douglas Bench and Betty (Royce) Latimer; her husband, Lynn; a son, Richard; and son-in-law, Dan Gyllenskog.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at the LDS 3rd/10th Ward chapel, 155 North 200 West, Preston.  Viewings will be held on Friday, December 26, 2014 at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, Preston from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday at the church prior to services from 11:30 to 12:30 pm.  Interment will be in the Preston City Cemetery.  Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.webbmortuary.com.

Mom's final wish would be wanting  everyone to know how dearly they are loved.  We love you, Mom, and when we turn on our Christmas lights, we will be thinking of you...always!

P.S. Your Christmas lights are on!