Marilyn LaRae Crawford

Marilyn LaRae Crawford (Mott), age 81, formally of Orem, UT, returned to our Father in Heaven on November 6, 2021, her body at rest after particularly challenging health issues. She has now joined the love of her life, her best friend and eternal companion, Myron (Mike) Crawford, who has been waiting for her for 17 years.

Marilyn was born in Orem, UT, on June 29, 1940, and grew up with five siblings. She joins her parents Volndeau and Vida Pearl Mott, her brother Ralph Mott, and sister Melba Graff on the other side of the veil. She is survived by siblings Verl Mott (Utah), Donna Green (Utah), and Beverly Rafiner (Utah).

She leaves behind a legacy of five children, 16 grandchildren and 15 and counting great-grandchildren. The children who are blessed to call her mom are M. Scott (Teri), ID; Bryan V. (Corrinne), NM; Todd C. (Ruth), ID; Russell D. (Robin), ID; and Sharla L (Erik) Tavares, WA.

Marilyn grew up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and, in her words, has always had a testimony of Christ. She married her high school sweetheart Myron (Mike) in the Manti Temple on March 18, 1958. A year later, they had their first son and then moved to Boulder, CO, where the rest of the children were born. In the 30+ years they lived in Boulder, they developed lifelong friendships.
Marilyn had many talents. She could cook, bake, sew, garden and can her produce, all of which she taught her children. She was also very artistic and enjoyed painting, sewing, cross-stitching, and making porcelain dolls and jewelry, amongst other crafts.

Marilyn was (and is) a great example of service in church callings, school activities and community events. She served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints working with adults and youth. She always said, “Primary is where it’s at,” and loved working with children.

After Mike retired, they moved back to Utah and went on to serve an LDS mission to Chicago, IL, and at the Senior Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT.

Her biggest act of service was deciding to be a stay-at-home mom. Her family was greatly blessed by her teachings, guidance, support, and love. Family meant a lot to Marilyn. She would often be heard singing to a grandchild, “I love (grandchild’s name) she/he loves me, we’re a happy family” or “Give me a little kiss, will ya, huh?”

Her last sentiments before passing were how much she loved everyone and how grateful she was for a good family. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 20, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 5501 N. Meridian Rd., Meridian. The viewing will be at 10am with the funeral starting at 11am. Interment will be held on Monday, November 22, at 10am, at American Fork Cemetery in American Fork, UT.