Tonya S. Larsen

Tonya S. Larsen PLEASANT VIEW – Tonya Charlene Saunders Larsen, beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister and teacher, left this world on Thursday, November 5, 2009. A resident of Pleasant View, she was a great inspiration to many in her life and in death as she waged a valiant 19 month battle with cancer. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends. Tonya was born in Glendora, California on June 16, 1962 to Sarah Gabriel and Thomas Saunders. She spent her early years in Glendora and then moved to northern Virginia where she graduated high school. She graduated from B.Y.U. with a degree in Elementary Education as well as being certified in Early Childhood Education. She married Alan J. Larsen on July 30, 1983 in the Jordan River LDS Temple and was blessed with two daughters who became the focus and pride of her life. Tonya began her teaching career in Brigham City and continued when she moved to Pleasant View, touching many children’s hearts. Tonya had the wonderful ability to focus on troubled children and would go out of her way to fight for them and their future. Tonya was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Primary and Relief Society in several positions. Tonya always had a warm smile and was quick to tell a funny story to turn the worst situation around. Tonya was also a Lifetime member of Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence as a descendant of Benjamin Franklin. Tonya is survived by her husband, Alan, of Pleasant View; daughter, Amanda (Clayton) Bodell, Salt Lake City; daughter, Kara Larsen, student at the University of Utah; mother, Sarah G. Saunders, and sister, Sara-jeannine (Russell) Robertson, both St. George. She was preceded in death by her father and two brothers, Thomas Saunders and Nicholas G. Saunders. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at the Pleasant View 5th Ward Chapel, 900 West Pleasant View Drive. Family will meet friends at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 North Washington Blvd., on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday at the Ward Chapel 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, her family will be accepting donations which will be given to Mountain View and Lomond View Elementary Schools in Brigham City and Pleasant View. Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com