Chaundra Geraldine Ballard Larson, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 25, 2018. Chaunie was born on March 1, 1939, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Geraldine Smith and Melvin R. Ballard. The youngest of three children, Chaunie grew up on Butler Avenue in Salt Lake City. She attended East High School and the University of Utah. Chaunie had a beautiful voice and loved singing with the East High choir.
While attending East High, Chaunie met Bruce Larson whom she married on September 21, 1959. Chaunie and Bruce had three children who they adored and supported throughout their lives. They later divorced after 26 years of marriage.
Chaunie was a full-time mom for many years, but later went back to work and enjoyed several jobs. Her favorite position was hostessing at Olive Garden in Sugarhouse. Chaunie was a favorite among co-workers and customers alike, working harder than most people her age until just a few years ago.
Chaunie was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in many callings over the years in Primary, Young Women and Relief Society. She especially loved visiting teaching, always looking out for the sisters in her ward.
Immensely creative, Chaunie loved to bake and cook. She loved trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. Family and friends delighted in her creations, especially her famous homemade caramels, rolls and cookies. After family gatherings, the grandchildren left with generous portions of her delicious leftovers.
Chaunie's creative talents included redecorating, writing poetry, crafting and hand-making gifts. Most recently, Chaunie discovered her talent of oil painting. She took pride in each of her paintings, often including details relating to personal and family memories. Among her favorite paintings were those she painted for the nurseries of each of her great-grandchildren.
The only thing she loved more than cooking and painting was spending time with her family. She adored her children and grandchildren and was the happiest when she was with them. She felt blessed to have a big brother and sister who devotedly watched over her. Aunt Chaunie was always included in family activities and parties.
Chaunie is survived by her children John Ballard (Elizabeth Whitney) Larson, Bruce McNeil (Gayle Thatcher) Larson, Jennifer (Russell) Gardner; her siblings, President M. Russell Ballard and Ann Maxwell Keddington; and her 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Hulbert Keddington and sister-in-law Barbara Ballard.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland Park Ward located at 2535 S. Douglas Street, Salt Lake City. Visitations will take place at Larkin Sunset Lawn located at 2350 E. 1300 So., on Wednesday, January 2, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and prior to the funeral services on Thursday, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
