LaRae Crippen Obituary (1950 - 2024)

LaRae Crippen, 73, passed away May 16, 2024, at home with her loving and devoted husband by her side. LaRae was born in Ogden, Utah on May 18, 1950, the second daughter of Emma Leila (Martin) and Howard Charles Woodfield. LaRae was born with physical challenges, and developed several more as the years wore on. LaRae was a determined, and sometimes stubborn individual as she dealt with her lifelong health challenges and physical pain. LaRae grew up in North Ogden and learned crochet and how to be an excellent cook and homemaker from her mother's example. LaRae loved crochet, decorating for holidays and birthdays, and making goodies for family and friends on special occasions. She loved her dogs, male Betta fish, house plants, and doll collection. She worked at several jobs in her younger years and sold Tupperware for 40 plus years. LaRae learned typing in high school and could type 90 words per minute on an IBM Selectric typewriter. LaRae attended Weber County schools, graduated from Weber High School; and attended some classes at Weber State College until more health challenges derailed her plans for what she wanted for her future. She was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in several callings. She loved serving as the librarian for several years until hip replacement surgeries made it too difficult. LaRae dated Charles "Chuck" Crippen in 1971. However, Chuck discovered he was allergic to marriage, especially doing so in the Church, and broke off the relationship. However, he later got religion and circled back around in 1988 and they married that August, moved to Illinois and later to Virginia. They were sealed in the Ogden Temple a few years later. LaRae was a stepmother to Chuck's 4 children and step grandmother of Chuck's 8 grandchildren. LaRae lovingly employed her homemaking skills, determined to successfully provide a stable home for Chuck and his children. Though Chuck and LaRae had their shortcomings, they ended up being a good fit for each other and were unfailingly devoted to each other. LaRae is preceded in death by her parents, grandparent, aunts and uncles and several loyal dogs. LaRae is survived by her husband of 35 years, Chuck, her 4 stepchildren, Michael (Melissa), Steven (Ranae), Matthew (wife Justine Pike), Amy (husband Brian Riordan) and 8 step grandchildren, her sister Elaine (Brent (deceased) Story, her brother Alan (Cherie) Woodfield and their 3 daughters and 2 sons. A closed casket graveside dedication, only, will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Ben Lomond Cemetery, 526 East 2850 North, North. Ogden, Utah. A memorial service will be held right after (approx. 12:30) at the North Ogden, Ben Lomond Stake Center, 3550 North 650 East, North Ogden. In lieu of expensive and wasteful bouquets, bring a single yellow, or purple/violet, or pink rose or other flower (LaRae's favorite colors) to the memorial service to place in a vase and build a bouquet there. A luncheon, for family members only, will be provided by the Ben Lomond 11th Ward Relief Society. Chuck extends his profound appreciation for the love that LaRae's family and friends shared with LaRae, and the love and care provided by Dr. Justin Mansfield, Dr. Todd Grunander, Dr. Chad Jensen, Dr. K.C. Wilkins and all their staffs, the Inspiration Hospice staff, the staff at Ogden Myers Mortuary, and others who have helped Chuck with the funeral planning and services.