LaRee R Lee

LaRee R. Lee, age 92, returned to her Heavenly Home and many loved ones on July 30, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

LaRee was born October 10, 1933, in Tremonton, Utah to Morris F. Rhodes and Lucretia Olsen Rhodes. As a lifelong resident of Garland, Utah, LaRee leaves behind a lasting legacy.

LaRee’s early years were spent living the adventures of life in a small town, often tagging along with her older brother Bob. She recalled summer jobs thinning beets in the fields around Garland and working as a switchboard operator for the local telephone office. LaRee graduated from Bear River High School in 1950. From there, she pursued a degree in Physical Education at Utah State University. After graduating in 1954, LaRee and her best friend Lois Rindlisbacher “(Rinn)” returned to their alma mater as PE teachers. LaRee spent 10 years teaching Physical Education at Bear River Junior High School. During this time, she met her future husband, Marcus E. Lee.

Marcus and LaRee were married on August 19, 1960 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they built a home in Garland on a foundation of sacrifice, service to others, and unconditional love. In this home, they raised their family and lived out the remainder of their married lives. LaRee was a devoted wife, mother, and friend.

With the arrival of their family, LaRee’s focus as a teacher shifted to accommodate their growing family. She traded her career as an educator for a job with the school district transporting special needs children to a school at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. This allowed her to remain committed to caring for her oldest son, Scott, and several of his friends. She loved seeing the happy faces of her passengers when they returned safely to their families at the end of the day. LaRee honored this calling of caring for Scott throughout her time on earth, with patience, faith, and grace.

LaRee was a woman of steady, quiet faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. She never missed her nightly prayers and lived her life in the service of others. Not one to preach, LaRee taught the art of service and kindness by the way she lived her life. LaRee was always looking to lend a hand to those in need. She enjoyed helping others, especially taking meals to those in need.

LaRee was an accomplished chef and enjoyed hosting meals for family and friends. Fried chicken, pot roast, chocolate chip cookies, and home-made candy were her specialties. Later in life, LaRee and several of her friends formed the “candy club”. Together they perfected several recipes for home-made, hand-dipped chocolates that they shared with their friends and families. All of their creations were award-worthy, but LaRee would often state that the best one were those shared with others.

Like her mother, LaRee enjoyed playing the piano, especially a good gospel hymn. Like her father, LaRee enjoyed painting. Many friends and relatives will recall her willingness to lend a hand when it was time for a fresh coat of paint inside their homes. LaRee’s other hobbies included getting up early to do her yardwork, growing enough cucumbers and tomatoes to feed the entire neighborhood, and dabbling in the cultivation of giant pumpkins. LaRee loved a clean car. The arrival of the Automatic Carwash in Tremonton was a welcome arrival in her later years. LaRee enjoyed several summers playing softball in the Bear River Valley Women’s Softball League. Shortstop was her favorite position, but in later years, she migrated to 1st base. LaRee was a “Jazz Grandma” and a 49’er fan for as long as anyone can remember. She never lost faith in her teams and showed her support with a well-buttered bowl of popcorn and her full attention on game nights.

LaRee was preceded in death by her parents Lucretia and Morris Rhodes, brother Robert M. Rhodes, and husband Marcus E. Lee, as well as her canine companion, “Missy” and several close friends. She is survived by her children, Scott R. Lee and David R. Lee (Nancy), grandchildren Justin and Jessica Lee, Stepdaughters Christine Mares (Doug) and Becky Hebert (Willy) and their families. We will miss her and are grateful to know that she has been welcomed home to many loving arms and a very happy dog.

A viewing will be held on August 4, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Rudd Funeral Home (111 N. 100 E.- Tremonton). Funeral services will be held on August 5, 2026, at the Garland 4th Ward Chapel (175 South Main Street). A viewing will be held that morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at the Garland City Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

We would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Spring Gardens Assisted Living Center in Mapleton and HealthWatch Hospice (Chelsea, Kiley, Brandi) for their compassionate care, with special appreciation to Megan, Alexis, Dani, Amanda, Izzy and Juli for their love and support during LaRee’s last few months.

We find comfort in knowing that LaRee lives on through memories we shared and the example she set while she was with us. We know we will be together again someday because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. LaRee’s word was her bond. Doing the hard things first was her motto. Sacrifice and service were her creed. A lifetime of service is her legacy. Consistent with her words in this life, we know that her parting words to those who love and miss her dearly are and will always be, “I love you more.”

In lieu of flowers, our family requests that you consider making a donation to:

Cache Employment and Training Center

275 West 400 South

Logan, Utah 84321

(435) 752-7952

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.