LaRue Braithwaite

LaRue, 95 years young, died peacefully at home on February 20, 2025 of causes related to old age. She was surrounded by many family members during her final days.

She was a graduate of Moroni High School, class of 1947. She attended Snow College where she met her future husband Dick at a school dance. They were married in 1950. She graduated from Snow and then attended BYU where she earned her initial degree in Home Economics. She later did a credential in Educational Assessment. Her most important role was mother and full-time homemaker for their 4 children.

After her children were all in school, she was employed as a special education teacher for many years in both Denver, CO and Jordan River School District in UT, where she had an enormous positive influence on many students. In her final working years, she enjoyed traveling from school to school as the district tester--well into her 82nd year of age!

She welcomed everyone into her home and was sorry when they had to go. She had a special love for children, both her own and her students. Her children and grandchildren knew she cared for them, believed in them, and was there for them no matter what.

She was an expert seamstress who made most of her children's clothing and stuffed animals when they were young. Later she became the creator of several wedding and prom gowns, as well as more everyday clothing.

She also loved reading, playing Scrabble, baking her famous dinner rolls, and most of all spending time with family. She will be remembered for the amazing family reunions she organized every summer in Island Park, ID for all the extended family.

She was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served faithfully in many callings including ward Relief Society president. She typically shunned the spotlight and quietly did her duty.

Even in old age, she still loved serving in the office of her local Bishop's storehouse to help feed the needy until asked to stop due to the Covid pandemic. She taught her children--by both word and example--the blessings of hard work and dedicated church service.

LaRue is survived by her four children: Pamela (Edward) Wright of Poulsbo, WA; Sherry (Brad) Stevens of Lindon, UT; David (Amy) Braithwaite of Perry, UT; and Lisa (Nathan) Weyand of Athens, OH. She has one sister, Elaine Canfield of Layton, UT. She was the much-loved grandmother of 13, great-grandmother of 13 with one on the way, and aunt of 5.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Dick M. Braithwaite, and her parents, Rulon & Blanche Johnson of Moroni,UT.

A viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. and funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m on Friday, February 28, 2025 at her home ward building in Sandy, located at 8485 S. 1000 E. Interment to follow in the Manti City Cemetery.

A zoom link to watch the funeral will be posted Friday morning for those unable to attend in person.