LaRita Haws Oaks, 72, passed away January 18, 2022 at her home, while surrounded by her loving family.
LaRita was born February 2, 1949, in Vernal, Utah to Carl Glenn and Ardith Cook Haws. She grew up in a small one-bedroom home in Vernal with her sisters Carolyn and Shirleen and her brother Marion. Her younger brother Gordon was a late addition to the family in 1958. LaRita married Harold (Butch) Oaks on November 17, 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. They enjoyed over 54 years together and were the loving parents of seven children.
LaRita worked as a teacher’s aide for many years at Creekview Elementary and Wellington Elementary. Her kind and gentle manner made it easy for her to love and care for the students she worked with. It was common for children to seek her out when they needed a hug.
LaRita was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held numerous callings in her ward and stake, and especially loved serving in the Manti Temple. She was a model of service as she frequently and eagerly helped her family, friends, and neighbors. She was a busy mom with six kids, but she still found time to work on a housecleaning crew to help support her children as they served missions for the Church.
LaRita had many fond memories of growing up in close quarters with her siblings, including the time she burned her back side as she tried to get warm by the kitchen stove on a cold winter morning. After marrying Butch, it was mandatory that she learn the art of fishing. She learned it well and often out-fished him. She enjoyed many camping and fishing trips in the mountains with family and friends. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was never too tired to read a story, play a game, or put together a jigsaw puzzle.
LaRita lived a simple righteous life and she was entirely happy with the plain and precious things this probation has to offer that money couldn’t buy. Her greatest treasure is her family. She loved every second of each conversation with her kids and grandkids, and always ended a phone call with words of encouragement and “We are so proud of you! We are praying for you. We love you!” Now she has been called to love and serve in a different capacity.
Survived by her husband, Harold (Butch), and six children Holly (Chad) Mead, Jeff (Jeannie) Oaks, Janeall (Lamonte) Butterfield, Nicki (Stewart) Gray, Kent (Tiffany) Oaks, and James (Chelsea) Oaks; 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Carolyn (Gary) Sawyer, Shirleen (Verl) Hanchett, Gordon (Doris) Haws; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Haws.
Preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother, Maxine Haws; brother, Marion Haws; daughter, Andrea; and her grandson, Garrett Carl Oaks.
Special thanks to her healthcare providers, especially her nurse Diane whose care and respect was a comfort to LaRita and her family.
Funeral service, Saturday, January 29, 2022, 11:00 a.m., Price North Stake Center (449 North 100 East) in Price. Family will receive friends at the church Friday evening from 6:00-7:30 p.m. and Saturday one hour prior to service. Interment, Price City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of LaRita online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net