Ila Kay Larabee

Ila Kay Larabee, surrounded by her loving family, slipped from the bands of earth on July 8, 2025, after 87 years of life. She is reunited with her dear companion Robert, who passed in January. Together, they are surrounded by loved ones and serving their Savior as they did in life.

Born August 31, 1937, in Keetley, Utah, to John Franklin Halladay and Zelma Hatton, Ila Kay was a stalwart and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a wonderful grandmother, and a friend to all.

Ila and Robert raised five children: Craig (Kathy) Larabee, Bryce (Kris) Larabee, Michele (Blake) Gilbert, Rush (Karen) Larabee, and Andrea (Brandon) Bezzant. They were blessed with 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by Robert, her daughter-in-law, Kathy, and her son, Rush.

Ila enjoyed a lovely childhood in Provo, surrounded by her siblings Jerry Ann, Virginia, and Johnny, and attended Provo High School. Shortly before graduation, her dear father passed away, and she missed him for the rest of her life. That same year, she met Robert at a dance, and they were soon married. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti temple, and they spent 67 glorious years together on earth preparatory to eternity. At his passing, she remarked repeatedly, “I know I will be with him again. That’s why we were sealed together.” Her confidence and testimony of eternal families was an example to all.

Ila was a talented seamstress and began sewing in her teens. She made much of her own clothing, including her wedding dress, and it was always a pleasure for her family to wear something she had created.

Ila and Robert raised their family in Washington State, New Mexico, Florida, Virginia, the Netherlands, Italy, and Montana before returning home to Utah and they loved traveling the world. She was a gatherer, and her home was a place of refuge wherever she lived. For many years, she hosted a beloved Christmas Day Open House, which always included amazing soups, dilly bread, and a warm welcome for anyone who needed a place to celebrate.

She most cherished being surrounded by family and loved taking her grandchildren on grand adventures, especially hiking in the mountains. She brought us so much joy with her quick wit, silly antics, and funny comments. She was unfailingly kind and loving to all. She was physically, mentally, and spiritually strong.

A lifelong follower of Jesus Christ and covenant member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served diligently in many capacities, including Primary President, Relief Society President, full-time missionary with Robert in Sicily, and in any other way she was asked.

Her absence will be felt keenly, but we are so grateful that she is whole physically and mentally and that she is climbing mountains and lifting others along the way.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5233 South 3200 West, Taylorsville, Utah. You may visit with the family at a viewing prior to services from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM. Interment after services at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah