Larna Mae (Hart) Harrison

Our beloved Teacher, Dr. Larna Mae Hart Harrison, ascended to heaven this April 11th, 2021 surrounded by friends and family.

Larna Mae was born and raised in Star Valley and shared many fond memories of her childhood in Afton with her posterity. She went on to graduate with the Star Valley High class of 1940 where she met and afterwards  married Lael Roberts Harrison in the Salt Lake City Temple where they were sealed for time and eternity on November 13th, 1942. 

She was an unparalleled trailblazer in her field and traveled the world sharing her knowledge and determination for education.  She earned degrees in Education from the University of Wyoming, Ball State University and finally a PhD from Brigham Young University. 

Larne Mae truly touched countless lives in the classroom. From 1966-1984 she graced the halls of Wasatch, Robert Frost, Rolling Meadows and Cottonwood Elementary Schools in SLC, Ut. In 1985 she realized a dream and moved to Laie, Hawaii taking a position at BYU-Hawaii as a leader in the Elementary Education department. She so loved living within walking distance of the LDS Temple and the beautiful beaches of Laie and we all loved to visit her there.

Upon her retirement from BYU-Hawaii in 1995 she never once slowed down. After spending time in Kirkland, Washington she moved on to St. George Utah to be closer to family and didn’t sit idle long, taking a post at Valor Hall where she finally retired from the classroom for good at 87 years young. Shortly afterwards she served the Lord on a 2 year mission at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. After serving she once again followed family to Missoula, Montana where she welcomed 3 more great-granddaughters to this world bringing her total of great-grandchildren to 6

Larna Mae was famous for her pranks and creative games that always brought laughter and a smile to everyone she met. Through her contagious spirit and excellence in all things literary she would compose and recite the most heartfelt, spiritual, and funny poems that everyone loved giving her the nickname “The Poem Lady”. She always opened her arms and home to anyone in need and truly lived a life of service. A spiritual giant, she touched the hearts and souls of all that were in her presence. 

Proceeded in death by her parents, Harry W. Hart and Viola Hemmert Hart, husband Lael Roberts Harrison and daughter Holly Jean Gulbransen.

Larna Mae is survived by a daughter, Laurel Harbaugh and her three children all of Missoula, Mt; son Jim Harrison of Seattle, Wa. grandsons Chad and Adam Gulbransen of San Antonio and Seguin, TX.  6 great-grandchildren and her cherished nephews and niece Kent, Bob and Fayette 

Thank you for showing us the way Grandma, we love you so.