LaRene Christensen Middlemas
1923 ~ 2008
LaRene Christensen Middlemas was reunited with her eternal companion on her birthday Friday, July 4, 2008. She died peacefully surrounded by her children.She was born July 4, 1923 in West Jordan, Utah to Rienetta Maria
Bateman and Lars Marinus
Christensen. Mom was the tenth of eleven children. She was born to Danish heritage and was raised in a large family on a farm where she learned the importance of hard work and sharing. She graduated from Jordan High School and was proud to be a "Beetdigger."
LaRene married Howard M. Middlemas on October 26, 1942. Mom and Dad were married just prior to Dad leaving to serve in the armed forces in Europe during World War II. After serving "for the duration" he returned and they made their home together. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and grandma-great. She was loved dearly by her family. Her grandchildren all knew that in their grandmother they always had a special friend. Mom shared an unconditional love with all who knew her.
Mom believed deeply in the gospel of Jesus Christ. She offered much service to her church, family and to those around her. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her warm and friendly demeanor, her gracious and unselfish giving, her happy heart and cheerful disposition. Mom also had a strong relationship with many of her nieces and nephews. They have a fondness in their hearts for their "Aunt LaRene." Those who knew Mom best remember her chocolate cakes and grilled cheese sandwiches. They were not to be matched.
Mom was fortunate to be able to travel the world with Dad. She traveled to the homeland of her family, Denmark as well as to the Orient, Australia, Polynesia, the Caribbean and throughout North America. She developed a strong caring for the people of the world. She always wanted to learn more about the countries and cultures she visited. She could never get enough of
Hawaii.
LaRene is survived by her son and three daughters, Steven H. (Sue) Middlemas, Sandy; Judy (John) Ballou, Salt Lake City; Joanne (Bob) Nye, Lehi; and Kathy Kelly (Terry Parkin), Salt Lake City. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, her parents and 10 brothers and sisters, and a great-grandchild, Anthony Ray Thayer.
The viewing will be Tuesday evening July 8, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 Bengal Boulevard (7600 S). Funeral services will be held on Wed., July 9, 2008 at 12 noon at the Forest View Ward, 1111 Charlton Ave. (2820 S). There will be a viewing prior to the services at the ward from 11- 11:45 a.m.
The family would like to extend a very special thanks to the staff of "The Beehive House (Our House)," as well as Care Source Hospice for their loving care of Mom during the final period of her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Utah Cancer Foundation, 3838 South 700 East, Salt Lake City, UT.