Laraine McCollum

Laraine Christensen McCollum, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend was taken from this earth far too soon. She passed away on August 12, 2012 at home in Jackson, Wyoming after a courageous battle with leukemia. She lived her life to the fullest and chose to live every day in a positive light. She was kind, loving and would do anything for her family and friends. She will be remembered for her quick sense of humor, inner strength, and joy of life. She was born on April 13, 1942, a beautiful spring day with the lilacs in full bloom, to Ivan J Christensen and Ida Wright Christensen in Shelley, Idaho. She grew up in the Jameston area on the family farm. She loved the farm and farm work. She graduated from Shelley High School in 1960. She attended Utah State University (1961-62) and graduated from the Idaho Falls, Idaho Ex-Cel-Sis beauty school in 1963. She married James E McCollum, Jr. on June 14, 1963. She moved to Jackson, Wyoming in 1965 where she lived until her death. She worked for Overland West Hertz-Rent-A-Car, with her husband, for many years. She had many interest. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed being in the out-of-doors, gardening, fishing, hunting and camping. She loved all animals from birds, rabbits, dogs, and cats to buffalo, moose, elk and deer. Owls and eagles held symbolic meaning to her. She also enjoyed trying new restaurants, shopping and taking cruises in Canada and Alaska. For nearly 28 years she relished teaching the children in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She also worked in the scouts, Relief Society, young women's program and was a visiting teacher for many years. Her many gifts and talents included: cooking, writing and self-publishing cookbooks, numerous handicrafts, needlework, and reading. She was preceded in death by her parents-Ivan and Ida Christensen and sister Katherine. She is survived by: Husband - James E. McCollum, Jr.; Children - Cindy McCollum, Jim McCollum, Cherie (Israel) Flores Hernandez; 7 Grandchildren - Stephenie, Cheyenne, Forrest, Alfred, Roice, Rylee, and Henry; Siblings - Wayne (Ann) Christensen, Shelley, ID; Robert (Stephanie) Christensen, American Fork, UT; Linda (Leland) Matheson, Price UT; Julie Hicks, Oregon City, OR; Colleen (name and location unknown); Lynn (Jill) Christensen, Canby, OR. She also leaves behind many treasured friends. Laraine has chosen to be cremated and requested that there not be a funeral or memorial. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to St. John's Hospital Medical Center Oncology, P.O. Box 428, Jackson, Wyoming 83001 or http://www.stjohnshospitalfoundation.org/donate/ or Huntsman Cancer Institute (2000 Circle of Hope. Salt Lake City, UT, 84112 or http://www.huntsmancancer.org/giving/huntsman-cancer-foundation/ways-to-give/donate-online). Every dollar does make a difference. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts, she'll always be there. Condolences may be sent to www.valleymortuary.com

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