Our precious angel, Lara Anderson was called home to her mother and her Heavenly Father on Monday, July 17, 2017. Lara Anderson was born on May 19, 1989, in Delta, Utah, to Scott F and the late Barbara Marie Lake Anderson. Lara was born with Down Syndrome. This became the source of numerous health challenges throughout her life but also bestowed her with a unique perspective, and immense capacity for love. Lara was always smiling and happy, hugged anyone and was instantly best friends with complete strangers. A characteristic of Down’s children is to be open, trusting and accepting, but it seemed to always be in Lara’s nature to love others.
Lara loved laughing and giggling with everyone around her. She especially enjoyed being with friends and family, watching TV/movies, and crocheting hats. Lara loved to sing, loved music, and loved to dance. Lara always carried a notebook or a stack of paper, and colored pencils. She loved to draw and write notes to her friends and family. Lara enjoyed the love and support of her community.
One of the highlights of Lara’s life was serving a mission. On Christmas day in 2015 Lara opened her mission call to serve in Delta, Utah as a stake missionary. She was blessed to serve with her special friend Tess Greathouse as her companion. Together, they faithfully worked at the Bishop’s Storehouse, the Delta Extended Care, and the LDS Institute. They performed baptisms for the dead on a regular basis as they served from January 16, 2016 to January 17, 2017.
Lara is survived by her father: Scott F. Anderson and step-mother: Caren Nielsen Anderson; 7 siblings: Dean (Terilyn) Anderson, Julie (Wayne) Henderson, Gary (Stacy) Anderson, Kathy (Thane) Goodrich, Carol (Steve) Pratt, Todd (Jessica) Anderson, Joni (Matt) May. She is also survived by her 6 step-siblings: Dan (Terri) Nielsen, Lisa Nielsen, Jill (Craig) Guymon, Josh (Aubree) Nielsen, Julie (Blaine) Burraston, and Tiffany Nielsen, and 58 nieces and nephews.
Lara was preceded in death by her mother: Barbara Marie Lake Anderson who spent many hours teaching Lara to read and write. She is also preceded in death by her grandparents: Alfred and Marie Lake & Nels and Edith Wood Anderson.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 22, at 11 am, in the Delta LDS Stake Center Chapel, 125 South White Sage Ave, Delta, Utah. Viewings will be held at the Stake Center on Friday, July 21, from 6 to 8 pm; and Saturday, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to services. Interment will be in the Delta City Cemetery.