Willetta "Letty" Larson

Willetta Jean Larson (nee Sanders), whom everyone called Letty, beloved wife of the Rev. Dr. Ross Larson, died peacefully at the age of 81 on Monday, November 11, at Shorelight Memory Care, where she was tenderly cared for during her long illness.

Daughter of Willis and Vera Sanders, Letty grew up in the Hegewisch neighborhood of southeast Chicago with her sisters, Betty Vee and Joan.  A graduate of Henry Clay Elementary and Bowen High School in Chicago, she worked as a secretary for the U.S. Fifth Army Ordnance until she married.  After raising her children, she reentered the workforce as a Financial Secretary for St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chicago, and as Medical Benefits Coordinator for Dr. Kanwar Singh in Racine, Wi.

Letty faithfully served as a partner in ministry in the parishes her husband pastored, in Chicago, St. Louis, and Racine.  She had a passion for music, always singing in the church choir and in The Ribs, a group of Lutheran pastor’s wives who sang together and toured throughout the Midwest.  Letty loved working with young people, often serving as a confirmation mentor to middle and high school students.  She was a member of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, where she also served on the church council and on the Stewardship Committee.

Letty was born into a home with strong and loving family ties, committed to hard work and a strong faith.  Proud of her Swedish roots and her Lutheran faith, she passed on those values to her children who mourn her death: Mark (Cindy) of Atlanta, Ga;  Ellen (Barry) of Bolingbrook, IL; and Beth Anne (Michael), of Bloomsburg, PA, as well as to her grandchildren, Matthew,  Daniel and Levi; and her many nieces and nephews.

A celebration service will be held on Saturday, November 16th at 11:00 am preceded by a visitation beginning at 9 AM, at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S Green Bay Rd, Racine, (262) 634-6669.  A fellowship luncheon will follow at the church.  Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Allay Hospice and Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church.