Norma Van Fleet Larsen

The loved ones of Norma Van Fleet Larsen bid their loving and compassionate mother, grandmother and great-grandmother a tender but temporary farewell. At age 102, Norma passed away peacefully on Christmas morning at 8:30 am, December 25, 2025.

Norma was born in Farmington, Utah on January 8, 1923, to Heber John Van Fleet and Mary Ellen Blamires. As the father of three boys her dad was thrilled to finally have a girl, who he affectionately called “Toodles”. She spent her childhood in Farmington, where she loved exploring the surrounding hills and canyons.

She graduated from Davis High School in 1941 and then attended Weber College for one year where she studied business. In December of 1942, at the beginning of WW2, she left school to work as a teletype operator for four years at Hill Air Force Base. In the fall of 1946, she attended Utah State University where she met her sweetheart, Reed Mathews Larsen. They married on August 23, 1947.

Together they raised four children, Shannon (Rob Ryder), Lori (Jim Allred), Todd (Ann Larsen) and Kami (Brad Smith). Due to Reed’s Airforce career, they moved frequently. Even though they were unable to put down lasting roots Mom made sure whatever house we lived in was a real home. She made us feel, as long as we were all together, we were home.

Her extraordinary cooking, talents as a seamstress and homemaking skills made every house a place of love and warmth. Mom was an avid reader and inspired a love of literature in her children. She enjoyed all kinds of puzzles, especially crosswords and was a formidable scrabble player, often defeating her opponents even at 102. Her time was spent enjoying golf, tennis, skiing and bowling, as well as volunteering at the hospital.

Throughout her life she enjoyed all kinds of needle work. In her later years she was especially passionate about quilting and applique, where she was recognized for the quality of her work. Her many beautiful creations have become treasured family heirlooms.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers Gordan Heber, Franklyn Lambert and Reed Wallace Van Fleet as well as her husband Reed. She was widowed for 21 years and carried on with independence, determination and courage.

Norma is survived by her 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Her family will miss her deeply and treasure her memory. Our hearts will forever be stitched together in love.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff and caregivers at Wellington Assisted Living and her hospice team for their gentle and dedicated care.

Services will be held on Friday January 2, 2026, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park located at 3401 South Highland Drive. A viewing will be held from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Graveside service to follow at 12:15 pm.