LARSON, Lois

LOIS DOT GIBB LARSON 1922 – 2022 On Thursday October 6, 2022, LOIS DOT GIBB LARSON completed her mortal journey and returned to her Father in Heaven after a long, fulfilling life. Born March 27, 1922 to loving parents John and Ritta Gibb, Lois was 100 years old at the time of her passing – a milestone she always thought she would reach. She passed peacefully in her sleep and loved ones can imagine the joyful reunion in heaven as she was greeted by many family members who had gone on before her.
Lois was the youngest of seven children. She was a child during the depression, living on a farm outside Magrath, where she spent endless hours playing with her two handicapped brothers Max and Garth. Lois was especially close with Garth, as she was one of the few people who could understand his way of speaking. She once recalled through misty eyes, “I learned more about living from Max and Garth than anyone, with the exception of my dear mother.” Her mother made her bloomers out of flour sacks and fixed her worn-out shoes with cardboard, but nothing was sad. Lois said her family felt lucky because they lived on a farm and had food. As a child, she ran nearly two miles to school each day, which Lois believed helped her develop a strong, healthy body.
Lois was in high school when she first met her eternal companion the charming Burns Larson. She was selling tickets to the Lions Ball. Burns bought a ticket and tried to convince Lois to go as his date. She emphatically declined going with a stranger, but he found her at the ball and asked her to dance. That was the beginning of a seven-year courtship, which was prolonged, partially, because Burns joined the Air Force during World War II. Burns and Lois were married in the Cardston LDS Temple in 1946. They enjoyed nearly 68 years of marriage prior to Burns’ passing in 2014.
Lois was a supportive wife to a busy surgeon and a loving mother to five children. Burns described Lois as having a very keen mind. He said if they ever had a problem, Lois would come up with a solution. As a mother, she was patient, yet disciplined. She was reserved in nature, but she loved to have fun. The Larsons enjoyed camping trips, ski trips, summers at the lake, and plenty of laughter. Lois loved to entertain and spent many hours planning parties with elaborate decorations, costumes, and fun activities.
Faith was a driving force in Lois’ life. She said one of her favorite scriptures taught her to build her foundation on the rock of her Redeemer, Jesus Christ. She taught her children about the power of prayer and trusting in the Lord. She was also an example of serving others and taught her children that if they felt down, they should do something for someone else. She spent many years serving in the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lois and Burns served a full-time mission together in the Philippines, where they spent a year and a half traveling throughout the country providing medical care to both missionaries and local residents.
Lois was a gifted creator. She loved to make things look cute and make people feel special. Her talents included interior design, painting beautiful art pieces, cooking, baking, party planning, decorating, and crocheting. She was admired for her ability to make any space look beautiful. Her wedding cakes, famous hand-dipped chocolates, and delicious meals (served in a fashion that could be featured in a
magazine) were tokens of her love, and are now treasured memories for her children and grandchildren.
Her advice to her grandchildren was simply to be happy. “You make your own happiness,” she often said. “You can choose to be happy or you can be otherwise, no matter the situation. Life is wonderful, but you’ve got to make it that way.”
Through her exemplary life, Lois leaves a legacy that will continue to bless her descendants including her five children: the late John (Susan) Larson, Robert (Dianne) Larson, Joanne (Randy) Ellis, Lori (Drew) Morrison, Barbara Bartram, 29 grandchildren, and 77 great-grandchildren.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta Stake Centre, 338 5th Ave. E., Cardston, AB., on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Friends may meet the family on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to: www.legacyfuneralhome.ca