Larae Shrives

Larae Spackman Shrives, 84, passed away Sunday evening, March 4, 2018 at her home in Preston, Idaho.  She was the second daughter born to Elna Harris and Samuel Edwin (Ted) Spackman.  She was born and raised in Preston, along with her six siblings.  After graduating from PHS, she worked for a time in Ogden.  She married her high school sweetheart and Navy man, Alton Dee Shrives, on May 30, 1952.  Their first daughter, Kari Lynn, was born while Dee was still in the service.  Once he returned, they took an employment opportunity with Martin Marietta Construction Company.  They had many adventures and made lasting friendships as they moved to Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.  Both Jennifer Lee and Russell Dee were born when they lived back East.   Idaho soon called them home and they sold their split-level house and moved to Idaho Falls for a short time.  They soon moved back to Preston where Kevin Clay joined the family.  Larae enjoyed working with friends and family at Valley Paving, Stan’s Market, Ross Hansen’s, Ritewood Eggs and with the Pink Ladies.  Larae believed in the principle of “Establish a House of Order”.  She was an immaculate housekeeper, appreciated a well-manicured lawn and a clean car.  She hated winter with a passion, but loved spring and early summer.  She enjoyed planting and caring for flowers, watching her sprinkling system work its magic, and sitting on the patio waiting for her beloved hummingbirds to appear.   Larae was a staunch supporter of her daughters and fiercely protective of her sons.  She and Dee loved chasing the grandkids to follow their athletics, musicals, and pageants.  Dee passed away on Christmas Day of 2002 after fifty years of marriage.   They were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on November 24, 2006.

Larae battled some very serious health issues, but, with her work ethic and stubborn disposition, came out as victor.  In her later years, she became a “homebody” but did enjoy lunch out, taking a drive, or walking through Kings just to browse.   Most recently, she became very thoughtful and nostalgic – often talking about Dee and past memories, her mother, and inquiring about cousins and old friends.  We are grateful for the joyous reunion she is now experiencing with all of them.  Her favorite sayings were: “Oh, my lands!” and “I can’t wait ‘til that’s over!”   Well, it is ‘over’ for her – on this Earth at least.  She is now with her eternal companion.

Larae is survived by her four children:  Kari Corry, of Pleasant View, Utah; Jenni (Jeff) Leonard, of Preston; Russ Shrives, of Smithfield; and Kevin (Nicole) Shrives, of Preston. She leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are: sisters, Bardee (Ross) Hall and Marie (Mike) Hudson; sister-in-law, Ann Spackman; brothers in-law, Doug West and Dee Dockstader; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Dee; parents, Ted and Elna Spackman; son-in-law, Brad Corry; great-grandson, Dax Williamson; sisters, Gloria Dockstader and Wendy West; and brothers, Gylde Spackman and Craig Spackman.

Funeral services will be held at Webb Mortuary in Preston, Idaho on Saturday, March 10th at 12:00 noon with Bishop Larry Checketts conducting. A viewing will be held from 10:30-11:30 also at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Franklin City Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com