Larry Gene Roche

Larry Gene Roche was born on October 3, 1936, and quietly passed away on February 12, 2023 at Maple Springs Care Center in Logan, UT. He was 86.

Larry was one of five children, the son of Lawrence Maurice Roche and Allie Craner.  

Larry was born in Brigham City, Utah and was raised in Corrine, Utah.  In their youth, he and his brother Dick drove cattle trucks for their Dad.  He attended Box Elder High School, where he met his future wife, Ilah Rae Nelson.  They married in 1954 and had three children, Christine, Larry Kim, and  Annette.  Larry and Ilah later divorced.  

Larry met Gloria Jan Allen and they married in 1962.  Gloria had three children,  Karen, Kit, and Alan.  Larry, Gloria, and family lived in Castle Dale, Utah, then moved to Washington State where Larry worked for Heinz Construction Company as a diesel mechanic.  The family eventually settled in Eureka, Montana, and then at Warland Creek (Libby). 

During this time, they enjoyed raising kids and welcoming grandkids.  They enjoyed socializing with their many friends and family until Gloria’s death from cancer in December of 1989. 

After Gloria’s death, Larry (still a relatively young man at the time) moved back to Washington State for work.  There, he met Patty Nelson. They later married and settled in Deer Park.  Patty died of cancer in 2018.

Larry’s health took a turn last fall and the decision was made to move him to Utah to be closer to his family there.  It was hoped that his health would return and there would be time with family for reunions this summer.  Sadly, this is not to be.  

Larry was a wonderful, easy-going man, he always had a smile and was quick to laugh.  He loved to hunt and fish, spend time with his friends and family, and help any friend in need.  He was a good friend to those lucky enough to know him. He was a loving brother, father, grandfather and husband.  An all-around good person.  We were all lucky to have known and have been loved by him.  

May he rest in peace.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Ailene Crocker and Marilyn Wright, and infant  brother Cyril Roche.  

He is survived by his brother Richard Roche Tremonton, UT.  His three children with Ilah:  Christine (Ron) Gajewski  Brigham City, UT,  Larry Kim (Gaylene) Roche Garland, UT and Annette (Randy) Soucie Shelly, ID. He is survived by his three step-children, Karen (Pat) Pogue Kalispell, MT,  Kit Stoken Eureka, MT and Alan Wilson Sacramento, CA. 

In total, he had 11 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 6 great, great grandchildren. 

It was Larry’s wish to be buried next to Gloria at the cemetery in Eureka, Montana.  A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the Eureka Cemetery.