Florence Mecham

Monday, February 9, 2015

Florence Larson Mecham, 89 of Goshen, passed away on Thursday Feb. 5, 2015 at her home.

She was born April 16, 1925, in Burley, Idaho, to John Davis Larson and Leona Smith England. She was born and raised on a farm with her five siblings, being the fourth child and third girl of six children. She excelled in school and church activities throughout her childhood.

After high school, she enrolled in LDS Business College but came back shortly to Burley due to her mother being ill. She divided her time between working at a job and working at home. This change would bring about her biggest blessing in her life, a chance meeting with her future sweetheart, Rich Mecham, through her best friend Ladene Mecham (Jeppesen).

When Rich returned from the war, they were married Nov. 4, 1945, and moved to Park Valley, Utah. They have been married for 69 years and raised four children, including one adopted daughter.

Florence raised their children, gave piano lessons to raise money, performed chores around the farm, and served faithfully in many different positions in the LDS church. She also spent many creative hours making quilts, doilies and many fabric items, most of which she donated or gave away. Her home has many pretty oil paintings that she painted. Her talents were endless.

Florence was an active member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many different capacities including Relief Society, Primary and was ward organist for 20-plus years. She and Rich also spent many years as ordinance workers in the Boise temple.

Florence and her husband went on a mission to Saint George, Utah. They made many friends and had many good experiences there.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her oldest daughter, Ann Mecham Lilya, (Claudon), and by all her siblings except her youngest brother, Dick D. Larson (Darlene).

She is also survived by her husband Richard of Goshen; one son, Darwin Lester Mecham (Donna) of Idaho Falls; and two daughters, Doris Mecham Stewart (David) of Idaho Falls, and Kathy Gonzoles (Hernan) of Bloomsburg, Pa.; 21 grandchildren and 50 plus great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at the Goshen Ward Chapel, 792 North 1090 East. The family will receive friends Monday morning from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Groveland Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nalderfuneralhome.com.