A Life Well-Lived: The Inspiring Journey of Esther LaRee Thayne Gines
Introduction
LaRee Gines was not just a woman; she was a beacon of resilience, a style icon, a loving wife, a doting mother, and above all, a matriarch who left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Born in the humble town of Mountain Home, Utah, and passing away in the scenic city of Bountiful, LaRee’s life was nothing short of a journey from humble beginnings to greatness. This blog post aims to pay homage to LaRee Gines, capturing the essence of her life, her values, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Early Life and Marriage
LaRee was born on October 13, 1926, in Mountain Home, Duchesne County, Utah. Growing up in a small town shaped her values of community, family, and hard work. Her family eventually moved to Kamas, Utah, where her life took a turn that would define her forever. She met and married her high school sweetheart, Don J. Gines, on March 3, 1945, amidst the chaos of World War II. Their love was so profound that they chose to eternally seal their bond in the Logan Temple on August 2, 1962.
Building a Life Together
Post marriage, LaRee and Don built their dream home in Bountiful, Utah. Over the course of 67 years, they nurtured a life and a family that was nothing short of extraordinary. LaRee was a woman of many interests; she had a penchant for fashion, theatre, and shopping, but what she loved most was spending quality time with her family. She was an ardent fan of the Utah Jazz and relished family vacations. A simple visit and a Coke were enough to make her day.
A Family Matriarch
Family was at the core of LaRee’s existence. She is survived by her loving husband Don, her siblings Mona Hight, Wilma Powell, Blaine Thayne, and John Dewey Thayne, and her four daughters Linda Hedges, Cathy Hughes, Deon Gines, and Terry Allred. Her family also extended to 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren and counting! She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Andrea Todd, whose memory she held close to her heart.
Final Days
LaRee passed away on January 16, 2012, in Bountiful, Davis County, Utah. A viewing was held in her honor at the Woodland Hills Ward, allowing family and friends to pay their respects. She was finally laid to rest at the Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful. Her family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Lakeview Hospital staff and CNS Hospice for their impeccable care, fulfilling LaRee’s last wish to spend her final days at home with her family.
Legacy and Final Thoughts
LaRee Gines was a woman of extraordinary resolve and love. Her life may have come to an end, but her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured and the countless lives she touched. Her journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of love, the importance of family, and the beauty of a life well-lived.
LaRee Gines was not just an individual; she was an institution in herself, a wonderful matriarch whose values and teachings will continue to guide her family for generations to come.
