In Memory Of

Gene LaRose

Aug 29, 1937 - Jun 2, 2025

Service

Saturday, June 7, 2025
1:00 pm
Buster Creek Community Hall
Rocky Mountain House, AB

Notice

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Gene’s memory by donating to causes close to her heart:Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta or Calgary Down Syndrome Society – Ups and Downs

Obituary

Gene LaRose, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, leaving a legacy rich in love, laughter, and lasting impact.

Gene was born August 29, 1937, in Alix, Alberta. Her parents, Carl and Dagne Ringness, came to Canada from Norway a few years earlier with two of her older sisters. She grew up in Calgary with her three sisters, Aase, Elsie and Evie, and two brothers, Carl and John. They shared a deep love for the mountains, spending many weekends around Banff National Park making treasured family memories camping and skiing.

In 1953 she met the love of her life, Robert C, and the two were married in Regina in September 1954. Together they built a beautiful lifelong marriage filled with love and unwavering support.
They were beloved Auntie and Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews from both sides of the families for many years before their own two daughters, Lynn and Laurie came along.
Settling in Rocky Mountain House in 1972, their home was often full of visiting siblings and families. Their door was always open, and their hearts even more so. The annual Horseshoe tournaments hold fond memories for so many cousins.

Gene loved being a mom. She was actively involved in the girls’ activities. She was a dedicated member of the Girl Guides for many years, serving as Brown Owl, Commissioner and Camp Advisor. She helped shape the lives of many young women with her steady leadership and warm heart.
She volunteered throughout her life in Rocky Mountain House, giving her time generously and with deep purpose. Her love of books and children led her to volunteer with the IODE Library on Main Street, she helped transition the library to the Mountaineer Building. As the Children’s Librarian there, and later at the Circulation Desk in the new building, she helped build and support a lifelong love of reading for her patrons. She also volunteered more than 35 years with the wonderful organization of the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary. Whether organizing May Teas, Autumn Luncheons, working in the Hospital Gift Shop, or serving on the Executive Board, Gene poured her energy into improving life for those around her. She was very proud of the work achieved by this outstanding organization of dedicated volunteers.

But perhaps Gene’s greatest legacy was the love and connection she nurtured among her family. Her home with Robert was often the heart of the family—alive with conversation, laughter, good meals, music and dancing. Her love was felt in her cooking, her laughter, her stories, her quiet guidance.

Grandchildren came along starting in 1990 and if being a mom was great, this was Grand indeed!
Gene was a steadfast supporter in the lives of her grandchildren, always showing up with pride and enthusiasm. Whether it was cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, applauding from the audience at school concerts, or celebrating academic milestones, she was there present, encouraging, and beaming with love. She believed in showing up, in the power of presence, and in making each grandchild feel truly seen and valued. Her warmth, wisdom, and genuine interest in their lives created a bond they will carry with them always.

Gene touched every life she encountered with kindness, compassion, and generosity. Her legacy will live on in the family she cherished and with the friends she cultivated. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the love she gave so freely.
Gene is survived by:
daughter Lynn Marie, grandsons Jared, Zachary (Jaice) and Quinn; daughter Laurie Anne, Son-in-law Cary Mamer, granddaughters Arianna, Chloe (d:2002) and Genevieve;
brother John and Sister-in-law Wanda; Sister-in-law MaryAnne LaRose; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews
A Celebration of Gene’s life will be held at the Buster Creek Community Hall, west of Rocky, on Saturday, June 7 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Gene’s memory by donating to causes close to her heart:
Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta
Calgary Down Syndrome Society – Ups and Downs

Her light will continue to shine in the lives she touched. She loved the quote from Tuesdays with Morrie: As long as we can love each other, you live on—in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Patricia Howard:

So sorry to hear of Gene's passing, she and Bo reunited ❤️ She was such a vibrant person to be around. She always had a smile and kind word, and left you smiling. She will be missed.

Kelly Sehn:

My deepest sympathies Lynn and Laurie and families. Your mom was a lovely person who impacted many with her kindness. Kelly

Melanie Kjorlien:

Sending heartfelt condolences to the LaRose family on the loss of your beloved Gene. She touched the lives of so many people in her community and was a treasured friend to so many, including my Mom.

Allen & Loraine Radcliffe:

Sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. She was a very special lady and had a positive attitude in life. She always had a sparkle in her eye when visiting. A pleasure to be with.

Joy Phillips:

I am truly sorry for your loss. Mrs. LaRose was one of the most amazing women that I had the pleasure of knowing in my youth. Her beautiful life touched many, and she will be remembered with love and admiration. My deepest condolences.

Colleen (Roselle) Benedictson :

Laurie and all of the LaRose family, Ringness family,

Extending my sincere condolences in the passing of Mrs. LaRose. Her beautiful caring soul was evident in her warm smiles and conversations, as well as in her commitment to various community groups over the years. May you find strength and comfort in the cherished memories close to your hearts.

Tracy Moggy:

My deepest condolences Laurie,and family
Your Mom was an amazing Lady, I have many fond memories of her, from band. Rest in Peace sweet lady.

Delores Bird:

Laurie, Lynn and families,
So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. She was a very special gal and always so pleasant to be around in our community and family events. Even though I hadn’t seen her more than a few times since leaving Rocky I thought about her every year on August 29th, our shared birthdays.
Condolences and love to you all!

Rena Tom Stewart:

So many fond memories of this amazing Woman, We can't find enough words to express how much she touched our lives.
Spending time with Gene always was truly wonderful, she was always a calming person to be with. We will miss her for so many reasons she made such a positiveimpactonall our family.
We know she is at peace, and we to can vision her and Robert dancing and carrying on with all their friends.

Corry Woods:

My most heartfelt condolences all who knew and loved Gene. I will so miss her … but take comfort knowing that she and Robert are truly dancing with the stars.

Donna Hunley :

So sad to hear of Gene’s passing. What a wonderful vibrant lady she was, always so upbeat. Loved seeing her at sporting events being the loudest cheer. May all your great memories help you through this difficult time

Donna Hunley :

I’m so sad to see the passing of Gene. She was a wonderful vibrant lady, always so upbeat. Love seeing her at sporting events, giving the loudest cheer. May great memories help you through this difficult time

Betty Klooster:

Laurie and family

My heart is aching for all of you. I know how special your dear Mom was to you.

Tammy Cote:

What a beautiful tribute to a truly lovely human being. Your Mom carried a light that was so bright. How lucky we were to have known her even just a little.
Sincerest condolences.

Rhonda:

My thoughts are with the family of Gene LaRose, a beautiful, warm and wonderful friend. I am blessed to have known you!

Donna & Tom Clark:

So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. We are fortunate to have fond memories of working and visiting with her over the years. Such a positive and cheerful lady.

Post Your Condolence