Lauretta Young Monsen Passes Away

Lauretta Young Monsen our Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother passed away unexpectedly April 8, 2012 in Provo, Utah. She was surrounded by loving family, including all her children, as she passed from this life. She will be missed, but she faced death the same way she faced life, with courage and faith.
Lauretta was born October 3, 1938 in Longview, Washington to Ronald and Hilma Eugenia Johnstun Young, the third of five daughters. She spent her early years across the river in Rainier, Oregon, graduating from Rainier High School in 1956. Throughout high school, Lauretta was actively involved in gymnastics and basketball, and her mother and sisters were some of the original members of the Rainier Branch of the LDS Church. After graduation, Lauretta’s Branch President encouraged her to attend Brigham Young University in Provo. While at BYU, she met her eternal companion, Jay Sheldon Monsen. Recently discharged from the army, Jay was immediately smitten with her beauty and grace. They were married March 9, 1957 for time and eternity in the Manti Temple. In March, they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Lauretta served faithfully all her life in the Church. She had a tender heart for children, and she loved serving in the Primary, including as the Primary President in three different wards. She also served as a Relief Society President and teacher. Lauretta and Jay served faithfully together in the Manti Temple.

Family has always been the focus of her life. Every child and grandchild felt they were her favorite. She had a special gift with children, animals, and flowers. Lauretta’s great love for her family prevailed, as she stayed conscious until her last child arrived from New York, and she bid everyone a personal good-bye before passing through the veil.

Lauretta leaves behind her husband, Jay of Mt. Pleasant, Utah. She is survived by her children: Sheldon Ronald and Debbie Miller Monsen of Richfield Utah; Jaye Lynn and Mark Robison of Provo, Utah; David Evans and Shellie Moore Monsen of Orem , Utah; Lauri Ann and Ken Grier of Macedon, New York; James William and Karen Cresswell Monsen of Payson, Utah; Joseph Paul and Luciana Rodrigues Monsen of Orem, Utah; and Jeanne and Ramon Elias Tejada of Mt. Pleasant, Utah. She is also survived by 36 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren, and all four of her sisters , including Jean Nelson of Clark Fork, Idaho, Margaret (Don) Stewart of Kanab Utah, Rosemary (Bryan) Wade of Clark Fork, Idaho, and Hazel (John) Sanders of Rainier, Oregon.

Preceded in death by her parents, and one grandson Sheldon Richard Monsen.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in Mt. Pleasant, Utah under the direction of Bishop Stallings of the Mt. Pleasant 3rd Ward (295 South State, Mt. Pleasant, Utah). There will be a viewing at the Church one hour before the funeral, as well as Tuesday night, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Rasmussen Funeral Home at (96 N 100W, Mt. Pleasant Utah). Interment will be in the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery.