Friday, July 19, 2019, the world lost a favored child of God. Her younger sister, Charlette, came and took her by the hand on the same day she, herself, passed beyond the veil. As sisters they were inseparable in life and it seems so in death also. A wonderful daughter of Heavenly Father, a dutiful wife, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Among women she was an elect lady. Her gentle loving kindness was unsurpassed, her thoughtfulness towards others and ministering to their needs was a strength few possess. Even the stranger received from her hand, a plate of cookies, a loaf of fresh bread, a kind word of encouragement accompanied with a beautiful loving smile. She would kill all of her enemies (of which she really had none), because she befriended even the least likable person.
She was master of her kitchen and being able to leave her home without some kind of treat in hand was just impossible. A talented woman at the keyboard, she could sit down after hearing a tune and play it out on the piano without missing a beat. A hardy laugh that you could not help but laugh with even though you may not know the reason for such levity. An avid reader of the best of books, including delving into the scriptures on a daily basis, a writer of poetry and an arts and crafts master. Her goose dressed for all seasons will never be forgotten. The lives of many children will be forever changed after experiencing her Halloween surprises. Although she hated to touch the bait and the fish itself, she loved to be on the hunt for "The Big Lunker" whenever she could get away with a fishing pole in hand. She loved to tell a good joke when she had one to share.
A caring compassionate companion to her husband, and angel in disguise with the patience of Job, although we could always see through her celestial acts, her angelic qualities always brightly shown. She was a woman of great worth "more than rubies," a woman who loved her God deeply, her faith and her family. She thoroughly enjoyed watching her posterity grow and flourish, especially within the gospel realm. A woman who had faith in and trusted the Lord. A woman who we dare say never acted out in any kind of guile, only love. A hard-working farm girl who knew the value of work, she loved her garden and flowers, she made the best of what she had a truly self-reliant individual. She loved surprises both giving them and receiving them—especially at Christmas time.
Barbara Banks Larsen, the 3rd child of John Robertson Banks and Mary Ellen Mower Banks, born 22 July, 1937, Palmyra Utah. Married Weston Dale Larsen June 21, 1955. Preceding her in passing is her sister, Charlette Banks Williams; Neil M. Banks and Fred Ray Banks, her brothers; and Erin Benincosa, a granddaughter. Surviving her is her husband, Weston Dale Larsen; Children, Cody Banks Larsen (Cheryl), Melinda Larsen Benincosa (Warren), Michelle Larsen Garner (Kelly) and Jace Blain Larsen (Arlene); brothers, Dan Morris Banks and Marvin J. Banks (Karen); as well as 9 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Like a ship sailing off into the sunset, you have since disappeared from our sight and we say to each other, "Oh, there she goes", but on another horizon at some other blessed place others who have been waiting and watching are saying, "Oh, look! Here she comes!"
Our lives have been richly blessed and permanently imprinted with your goodness and forever changed for the better. We will miss you oh so much! We mourn your departure but look forward to that brighter day, when we will be together again.
A viewing will be held July 26, 2019 from 9:30-10:50 a.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 12353 S. 600 E., Draper, UT with funeral services to follow beginning at 11:00 am. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to either the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
