Alene Russon Baird Lanphere

Alene Russon Baird Lanphere , our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, died peacefully on October 28, 2009. She was born Mar. 9, 1912 in Salt Lake City the daughter of Thomas and Beda Johnson Russon. She was raised in Salt Lake City, graduating as valedictorian of her class from Granite High School. Married Merritt Marshall (Samm) Baird on Feb.25, 1931 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with two sets of twins, Marshall and Merrill and 17 years later, Thomas and Charles. Later divorced. Married Forest E. (Buck) Lanphere on Nov.26, 1972. Later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. He died July 26, 1998.

Alene was an active member of the LDS Church, with a deep and abiding love for her Savior and a strong testimony of the gospel. She served in many capacities, her favorite being the ward pianist and organist for many years.

Talented in singing and drama, she performed in plays at the University of Utah, the melodramas at the Silver Wheel Theater in Park City, and in radio commercials for Rhodes Bake'n Serve. She was well-known for her readings and vignettes.

She is survived by her children, Marshall (Kathleen), Merrill (Jolene), Tom (Susan) and Charley (Babs), 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Wendell Russon, grandchildren Adam, Nicole, Lizette, David and Monica Baird.

Our special thanks to all who helped care for Alene, especially Darcy, Whitney, and Paige for their tender, caring help.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009 12:00 noon at the Garden Park Ward, 1150 East Yale Ave (1087 South). Friends may visit with the family on Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church Monday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.holbrookmortuary.com