Wilma (Larsen) Newman

Wilma Larsen Newman, beloved to all who knew her, passed peacefully in her daughter’s home in Bothwell, Utah, on October 21 at the age of 90.  She was surrounded by her many loved ones.

Wilma was born in Mantua, Utah on September 3, 1933, to Newel Jensen Larsen and Amy Daines Larsen.  Wilma was a devoted daughter and sister who always remained close to family.  She lost her mother as a young adult and often mentioned her as well as her father, and brother, Mervin, who passed away earlier in his life.  Wilma loved growing up in Mantua on a farm, amongst relatives and friends.  She loved the warmth and love a small community brought to her life.  She attended Mantua Elementary and spent her summers picking fruit and working in a packing plant and cannery.  She talked about herding the cows across what is now Mantua Reservoir, making sausages, cooking, baking, canning, and farm life.

Wilma graduated from Box Elder High School in 1951.  She then attended Utah State Agricultural College (now USU), graduating in Art with a minor in Secretarial Sciences in 1956.  She worked at Hill Air Force Base, the Boy Scout Office, and taught school in Ogden and Brigham City, teaching art, shorthand, and typing skills.

On a blind date, Wilma was introduced to Kent A. Newman, and learned that there indeed was civilization west of Tremonton!  They fell in love and with excitement and hope in their future, were married on June 19, 1957, in the Logan Temple.  They made their home in the small community of Bothwell, Utah, and started their own farm on one of the roughest pieces of ground in the area.  They made a wonderful life together on the farm.

Todd Kent was born January 21, 1960, Nan on February 17, 1970, and Paul Newel on April 18, 1975.  Wilma was a devoted mother, spending years teaching Todd to lipread, and caring for and raising her children.  They remember coming home often to the smell of baked bread, cinnamon rolls, and cookies, and what a wonderful listener Wilma was!  Mom always had time for her loved ones and for conversation.

Wilma was an amazing cook and fed not only her family but the many workers hired at harvest time.  Nobody could make pie and rolls like Wilma, and her children and grandchildren were frequent beneficiaries of her many delicious creations.

Her artistic talent was helpful when she took up cake decorating.  This hobby was a joy to her and others as she created many exquisite wedding and birthday cakes for family and friends.  She always loved the beauties of nature and spent many hours in the greenhouse her sweetheart built for her, growing beautiful flowers.  When taking a ride with Wilma, you would experience nature in a whole new way as she saw and described the world through her artistic eyes.  

Wilma served faithfully in all church organizations.  She served as Ward Relief Society President, Stake Relief Society Counsellor, and as a teacher in all auxiliaries.  Her latest calling was Nursery Leader and in her golden years of experience, she had a magical touch that comforted and calmed even the most upset children, who loved sitting on her lap while she read to them.  Wilma freely shared her talents in all her callings, putting great effort, time and diligence into learning all she could, trying out ideas, and using her artistic abilities to teach the very young to the elderly.  She found much joy in her church service.  She also loved serving in the Logan Temple in the clothing department. 

Wilma read with the children at North Park Elementary as long as she was able, and was told that she “had the patience of Job,” and she did.  With her children, neighbors, family and friends, Wilma was accepting and forgiving and always rolled with whatever life brought her. Wilma will be dearly missed by all who loved her.  Her legacy of unconditional love and patience will forever be remembered.  

Wilma experienced many difficult and diverse medical challenges throughout the course of her life, but did not complain.  She had an incredibly high tolerance for pain and always had a smile for medical staff and all who came to see her.  She was an amazing example of rolling with the punches and enduring well.  

The family would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Bradley Chambers, Legacy House of Logan staff, and IHC Hospice and staff for their love and service to Wilma.

Wilma is preceded in death by her brother, Mervin Newel, parents Newel J. Larsen and Amy Daines, husband, Kent A. Newman, sister Ranee Larsen, and brother Curtis Daines Larsen, and is survived by her sister, Carolyn Pease, children, Todd Kent Newman (Debbie), Nan Croney (Ronnie) and Paul Newel Newman (Adrienne), and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Viewings in her honor will be held on Friday, November 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 4, 9:30-10:30 a.m.  Funeral Services, Saturday, November 4, 11:00 a.m., all held at the Bothwell Church.  Interment will take place at Bothwell Cemetery following the services.

The funeral service will be livestreamed at the link below.

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.