LaRene Eliza Cook

LaRene Eliza Cook, age 87, passed away peacefully at her home in West Point, Utah, on September 26, 2026. She was born on May 20, 1939, in Ogden, Utah, to Alva and Ruby Read.  

In 1956, LaRene married Richard H. Duncan and together they were blessed with four children before later divorcing. She married the love of her life, David H. Cook, in 1965, and they spent 54 wonderful years together until his passing in 2019. On a cherished day in 1980, David and LaRene were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.

LaRene’s singular most important attribute in life was her profound love for her family. She was fiercely loyal to her husband, her four children, their spouses, and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren through good times and bad; if any of them faced a challenge, that challenge became hers as well. She possessed a true gift of giving and had a heart of gold. At birthdays and Christmas, she ensured that everyone received a gift to show her love—often handmade or hand-painted items—prompting a daughter-in-law to once remark, "You and Grandpa are better than Santa Claus."

Over many years spent on their farm in West Point, LaRene naturally developed a deep adoration for animals of all kinds. She affectionately named every creature, whether goats, horses, dogs, or cats. Her last pet, a dog named Theodore, whom she called her "best friend," remained faithfully by her side when she passed away. In her quiet time, she also loved spending hours in her gardens, tending to fruits, vegetables and flowers. Her love and care for flowers in all varieties were an amazement.

LaRene loved to cross-stitch, make delicate doilies, and knit or crochet. Her family and grandchildren were the proud beneficiaries of "Grandma authentic made" sweaters. When she had a free moment, she also enjoyed the quiet satisfaction of putting puzzles together or reading a book. LaRene was an avid reader by day or night. 

Professionally, she dedicated years of service working at Hill Air Force Base as a civil service employee and later welcomed patients as a receptionist at the Herfordshire Clinic and McKay-Dee Hospital.

LaRene was a faithful member of the West Point 18th Ward, where she paid her tithing faithfully until the end. She leaves behind a valiant, unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ and His mission.

She is survived by her four children: Keith (Colette) Duncan of Kaysville, UT; Jill (Chad) Fleming of West Point, UT; Scott Duncan of Mountain Green, UT; and Kevin (Nancy) Duncan of Salt Lake City, UT; her two younger brothers, Delvin Read (Dalene) and Ronald Read (Melanie); and her beloved 19 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alva and Ruby Read; her husband, David H. Cook, her two sisters, Doris Smith and Wilma Weese, and three precious great grandchildren.

The family expresses their deep gratitude to LaRene’s close neighbors in West Point, who attentively looked after her and assisted her in so many kind ways.

Services:

 Viewing: Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Russon Mortuary, 1585 West

300 South, Syracuse, Utah.

 Graveside Service: Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the West Point City Cemetery, 80

North 4000 West, West Point, Utah.