LaRae Johnson DeGroot 1937-2023

LaRae DeGroot, 85, passed peacefully on December 8, 2023, just days following the death of her eldest son, David Glenn.

LaRae was the first born of Lawrence Donald and Della Juanita Sorensen Johnson on December 14th, 1937. She lost her mother at the tender age of three years old. Her paternal grandmother, Lydia Marie Beckstead Johnson Swanner Wagner, herself being a young widow, raised LaRae and her two younger siblings. She assisted in fostering many children at her grandmother’s side.

In May 1956, LaRae caught the eye of Larry DeGroot, in the next pew forward, while visiting the Ogden 11th ward with her sister, Joyce, and Larry’s friend Nick. They were married on December 7th, the same year. They were sealed in the Logan Temple the following year.

Larry and LaRae reared their children in Roy where they were members of the Roy 4th ward for 57 years. She served in many callings, her favorite being on the homemaking/enrichment committee for the relief society with her dear friend, LaWanna Jensen. LaRae’s talents were never ending, from ceramic, lace drape and tole painting; cross-stitch; crochet; quilt; and sewing beautiful articles of clothing for her children and countless others. She gifted her crafts, which adorn the homes of family and friends. LaRae’s children honed many talents by the example of their parents.

Both Larry and LaRae had declining health when David became their devoted caregiver. Larry passed in 2018, after which David tenderly fulfilled his mother’s every request.

LaRae is survived by four of her six children; Sherie (Kim) Fowers, Dean (Roxanne) DeGroot, Lori Mitchell, Gary (Sheliah) DeGroot; son-in-law Jim Hare, all living in this area. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, and many greats and great-greats.

LaRae is predeceased by her husband, Larry; son, David Glenn; daughter, Cindy Hare; sister and brother-in-law Joyce (aka Jenny) and David Schilling; brother and sister-in-law Ralph (aka Ron) and Lorraine Johnson; sisters-in-law Jeanette DeGroot, Debra DeGroot, Carol DeGroot; and great-grandson Brock Riley.

We thank IHC Homecare and Hospice for their care and kindness to Mom these short three weeks.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Myers Mortuary 5865 S 1900 W, Roy.

Funeral services are Thursday, December 14, 2023 (her birthday) at 11:00 am, Roy 4th Ward chapel, 5290 S 2100 W, Roy and prior to the service from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Interment will follow the service at Roy City Cemetery.