
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of Helen Peters Larsen, who left this world and earned her heavenly wings on November 13, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by her family.
Born on March 23, 1928, in Sunnyside, Utah, to Mark Peters and Vivian Norton, Helen was the oldest of three children. At the age of one her family moved to Hiawatha, where she attended elementary school, and later to Wellington when she was eight. There she quickly formed friendships with her neighbors, bonds that lasted throughout her lifetime. As a young girl, she attended a birthday party where she spotted a boy with beautiful black curls and declared to her mother that she would one day marry him. That boy was Tom Larsen. On November 10, 1946, she did exactly that. Helen often joked that Tom was the fastest boy in school, but he still could not outrun her.
On their 42nd wedding anniversary, November 10, 1988, Helen and Tom were sealed in the Manti Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A devoted member of her faith, Helen served lovingly in many callings over the years, including compassionate service, primary teacher, and visiting teacher, service she carried out faithfully for more than 60 years.
Helen and Tom raised three sons, Don, Darwin, and Clay, and together they built a life centered on hard work, family, and service. Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her presence brought strength, warmth, and steadfast love to everyone who knew her.
Quality time was what mattered most to Helen. Whether sharing a quiet afternoon visit, celebrating with family, arrowhead hunting, or gathering around campfires, she cherished every moment spent with those she loved. She captured many of those moments in photographs and created a treasured collection of photo albums that were always a source of entertainment and joy. She was the family genealogist, carefully preserving the stories and legacies of generations before her. Her memory was extraordinary. She never forgot a birthday, and she always called the day before, just to be the first to wish you well.
Helen was a woman of many passions. As a girl, she loved school and was elected school president in 1943. She enjoyed dancing, crossword puzzles, cooking, the Utah Jazz and crocheting, activities that brought her joy and strengthened her connection with others. She was known for her exceptional cooking and often said she would rather feed those who were hungry than those who were not. In truth, everyone who sat at her table left with a full belly and a full heart. Every family member had a favorite dish, and Helen always made sure to prepare something special for each one.
Helen and Tom were true partners in every sense of the word. Working side-by-side, they built two successful ventures: the Coop Service Station in Wellington, Utah, and an oil well development in Icelander Wash, east of Wellington. Helen kept meticulous books for each business and took pride in their shared accomplishments. She was also a proud Democrat, steadfast in her values and never shy about what she believed in.
Helen is survived by her children, Don (Cathy) Larsen, Maxine Larsen, and Clay (Callene) Larsen; six grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Vivian; her husband, Tom; her son, Darwin; her granddaughter, Stephanie Payne; her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Lois Peters; her brother-in-law, Phil Ochoa; and her step-father, Elmer Packer.
Her legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. In honor of Helen, call and check on a loved one, share a favorite meal with your family or bake some cookies for your neighbors.
The family would like to thank the staff at Pinnacle Nursing Home and The Heirloom Inn for their love and compassionate care.
Funeral Service, Thursday, November 20, 2025, 11:00 a.m., Wellington Stake Center (935 East Main Street) in Wellington. The family will receive friends from 9:30 – 10:40 a.m. prior to the service. Interment, Wellington City Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Helen online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net
