Mary Jane Larson

Mary Jane Larson, 91, died March 16, 2019 at her home in the Primrose Retirement Community in Cheyenne. She was born August 22, 1927 in Worland, Wyoming, the first following five sons to parents, William and Ethel Groshart. When Mary Jane was nine, she settled in Cheyenne with her mother, older brother, Ralph, and little sister, Maxine. Mary Jane was a standout student, graduating from Cheyenne High School in 1945. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Leonard "Spook" Larson, for 51 years until his death in 1997. Mary Jane had a strong work ethic and applied her various talents wherever she saw an opportunity, working as a cook in her mother's boarding house, a movie theater usher and cashier, a US government purchasing agent, a court reporter, a legal assistant, a liquor store bookkeeper, and an assistant in her husband's dental practice. She believed strongly in community involvement. Her many contributions included Brownie and Cub Scout leader, 4H and Job's Daughters counselor, Past President and 50 year member of Chapter C P.E.O., Sunday school teacher, member of Presbyterian Women, two terms as Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church, Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Vice President and Treasurer, and Women's Civic League member. She enjoyed playing bridge, tennis, and especially golf, with several tournament titles, trophies, and holes one to her credit. She was a long-time member of the Cheyenne Country Club. But love of God, family, country, and friends (in that order) is how she persevered as a child of the depression. Mary Jane remained brave, faithful, and resilient until her life was rewarded with a dignified release from her suffering. Some of her favorite times were spent with Leonard and friends on the golf courses of Cheyenne and Sun Lakes, Arizona, and exploring all things of interest with her great-grandchildren. Mary Jane is survived by her daughter, Sherry (George) Lovato; granddaughter, Jill Lovato (Renny MacKay); and great-grandchildren, Case and Clara MacKay, all of Cheyenne; grandson, Matthew Lovato of Rainbow City, Alabama; and daughter-in-law, Cyndi Larson of Cheyenne. As the last of her generation in a very large family, Mary Jane is survived by several nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Leslie, Harold, Ivan, Warren and Ralph; sister, Maxine Afflerbach and husband, Leonard; and her son, John William Larson. A memorial service will be celebrated on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Cremation is under the care of Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Mary Jane's memory may make donations to the Salvation Army, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Camp Catch a Rainbow, or a charity of your choice.

Service

Friday, March 22, 2019 1:00pm

First Presbyterian Church

220 W. 22nd St,.

CHEYENNE, WY 82001