LaRene Petersen Spencer passed away peacefully on January 31, 2018, in Reno, Nevada. She was 90 years old. Her devoted husband of nearly 70 years was by her side.

LaRene was born on January 22, 1928, in Salina, Utah, to Zina Day and Orrin Franklin Petersen. She married Loren John Spencer, a World War II veteran, on September 17, 1948, in the Manti Utah Temple.

She was born with a congenital-dislocated hip. This challenge gave her the determination to do whatever she set her mind to. She had great empathy for those with disabilities.

Her work ethic was unparalleled. It was born of living through the depression, World War II and the responsibility of performing homemaking tasks as a teenager while both parents worked to support their family.

She was a gifted seamstress and tailor. She made most of her clothes from the time she was in high school. She never wore a dress she hadn’t made. Her talents in piano and organ were shared with others from her youth. She even tried her hand at painting.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Her life was full of service to others. She personified the Relief Society motto, “Charity Never Faileth.” She served in many callings in the Relief Society, most notably, as a ward Relief Society president and as a stake Relief Society president for 10 years.

She served as an ordinance worker in both the Oakland California Temple and the Reno Nevada Temple. She supported her husband as he served as a bishop and stake patriarch. She also worked at the Church’s employment center in Reno.

LaRene studied library science in college and used her knowledge at the Reno Family History Center for 22 years. She served there until her passing.

Most of all, she loved each member of her family. She took great pride in each. The joy they brought her was immeasurable.

She is survived by her husband Loren and three children: Ross (Margo) Spencer, JaNene (Forrest) Carter and Neil Spencer. Her posterity includes 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. LaRene is also survived by a brother, Boyd, and a beloved sister-in-law, Fay.

LaRene is now with Neil’s wife, Donece, who preceded her in death.

Viewing will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Walton’s, Ross, Burke & Knobel Chapel, 2155 Kietzke Lane, Reno, Nevada. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at 11:00 AM at the Nevada Reno Mount Rose Stake Center, 4751 Neil Road in Reno, Nevada with Viewing from 10:00 – 10:45 AM at the stake center.

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