Patricia Larsen

Patricia “Pat” La Deane McComb Larsen, 81, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024 due to cancer.

Patricia was born April 20, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the second daughter of Orin Floyd “Mac” McComb and Viola Martin McComb. Soon after her birth, her family moved to Washington state where her dad helped build munitions during World War 2. After the war, they settled in Pocatello. Patricia attended schools in Pocatello and graduated from Pocatello High School in the Class of 1961.

After high school, Patricia obtained her LPN and became licensed to work in Idaho, California and Rhode Island. Her training was a benefit to others her entire life, long after she left professional nursing. Patricia married and later divorced Curtis Smith. As a young mother with two daughters, she worked as a secretary to the president of the Pacific Egg and Poultry company in Los Angeles, California. Following her return to Pocatello, she worked as the secretary to the director of housing at Idaho State University. Once again, even after she left paid secretarial work, she used the skills she developed on the job throughout her life for the advantage of many church and community organizations.

Patricia married Larry James Larsen on August 7, 1973. Larry adopted Patricia’s daughters and they had 3 additional children together. At this time, Patricia began her longest lasting occupation as a homemaker, while still maintaining side jobs as a typist and bookkeeper. She held leadership positions in many organizations including the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Toastmasters and Neighborhood Watch. Typically she served as secretary/treasurer and excelled with her organizational skills. Patricia did not enjoy being a figurehead, but she made a lot of leaders look great with her preparation behind the scenes.

Patricia was tolerant, compassionate, generous and fun. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a lifelong follower of Christ. She loved to sing and play the piano. She was extraordinarily talented at handicrafts, especially sewing and crocheting. She valued education highly and supported her children in all of their school projects. She could put the fussiest baby to sleep. She liked adventure, travel and road trips to see family. When her children were grown, she especially loved making deep sea fishing trips with her brother.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Larry Larsen, and by her five children: Cheryl Helm, Annette (Jerry) Fairchild, Rebecca (Brandan) Hull, Sarah (Joseph) Hatch and Joseph (Keri) Larsen, 24 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by parents Mac and Viola, brother Michael Rollo McComb, sister LaVera May Borowy and son-in-law William Helm.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Restlawn Cemetery (2864 S 5th Ave Pocatello ID 83204) In lieu of flowers, give your loved ones a big hug and a kiss on the forehead like Patricia would give.

Memories and condolences may be shared using the guest book below.