LaRue Bagley

LaRue Bagley

Richfield, Utah

Our precious mother, LaRue Thorpe Bagley, 98, peacefully passed away Sunday, September 27, 2015, in Logan, Utah. She was born November 12, 1916, in Manti, Utah, the oldest daughter of Dr. W.E. and Flora May Jones Thorpe. She grew up in Ephraim with three younger sisters, June, Enid, and Helen. She graduated from Snow College and Utah State Agricultural College with a degree in early elementary education. She married her sweetheart, LaZone Bagley, August 30, 1939, in the Manti LDS Temple. He passed away on July 21, 1969.

LaRue’s love for children was expressed through teaching. She was a master teacher for 39 years. She taught in Box Elder, Utah, Wayne and Sevier Counties. She was dearly loved by her students and by her fellow teachers. She loved teaching. She often remarked that there wasn’t a day that she wasn’t excited to get up and teach children. She was selected as one of the most outstanding elementary teachers in America. She served as president of the Sevier Education Association, on the Governor's Advisory Board for Education, and on many other educational committees. She was one of the first team teaching leaders in Sevier County. She also helped organize the first Gooseberry Experience for the third grade at Ashman Elementary.

After retiring from her teaching career, LaRue had the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world with her dear friends. She served for 19 years as an ordinance worker in the Manti LDS Temple. She loved her time at the temple and the many friends she made there. LaRue was always active in the community. She loved serving others, having served on many local committees, her favorites being: Richfield Culture Club, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and serving as a hospital volunteer.

LaRue enjoyed her home and yard, along with the many friends and neighbors she surrounded herself with. She loved her corner of the world and would spend hours sitting on the porch enjoying the beauty around her. LaRue has been living in Providence, Utah with her daughter, Marilyn, for several years where she has been enjoying her family and new friends. Her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren adore her.

She is survived by children: Bill (Penny) Bagley, Providence, Utah; Dr. Rick Bagley, Cedar City, Utah;  Marilyn (Kevin) Bell, Providence, Utah; daughter-in-law, Geri Bagley Anderson, Cedar City, Utah; 9 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sister, Enid Graser, Ephraim, Utah; along with many nieces and nephews who also adore Aunt LaRue.

LaRue was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters: June Cox and Helen Christensen; and one grandson.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who were so kind and caring to LaRue during this journey. Your kindness to our family is appreciated.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 5, 2015, at 12:00 Noon in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel, 50 South 100 West in Richfield where friends may call on Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.