LaRae Viola Tranchell

LaRae Viola Hardman Tranchell, was born 2 June 1933, to LeRoy Christensen Hardman and Viola Annie Brown Hardman in Lehi, Utah. She was blessed with 5 big brothers and 1 little sister. She passed away surrounded by her family, 10 April 2024, at the age of 90.  

LaRae was an avid UTAH JAZZ and BYU fan, and never missed watching a game, if possible and was really upset if she had to. “When you have 5 older brothers and only 1 TV you learn to love sports.” 

She excelled in Lehi Schools, was the secretary of the FHA (Future Homemakers of America) and an active member of the Booster Club, enjoying performing at basketball and football games, all through High School.  

LaRae married Jack Brandon Tranchell on 15 August 1952. They made their first home in Salt Lake City before buying the Tranchell Homestead in Springville Utah.  They had 3 children, Judy Ann, David Earl, and Tony Lynn. LaRae and Jack enjoyed camping, “trippin’” with friends in the American west and caring for their many animals and land. They were married 62½ years before Jack passed away, 9 years ago, on 28 April 2015. 

For 60 plus years, she loved to meet every Wednesday with her friends for Club, to play pinochle, often at the T-Bone Restaurant. You could always distinguish her patio by the hanging wind chimes, bird feeders, and holiday ornaments for every season. 

In her later years, her reason for getting up every morning was to open her home to the neighborhood school children who waited for the bus right in front of her house. She delighted in the friendships, visits, plates of cookies, notes and Christmas presents from “her neighborhood children”. Your kindness and thoughtfulness meant so much to her and to us, her family. Thank you. 

LaRae is survived by her children, Judy Tranchell of Springville, David (Pat) Tranchell of Springville, and Tony Tranchell of Payson; her brother, Don (Pat) Hardman of Pleasant Grove, and her sister, Cleora Forbush of Santaquin. 

“Grandma Jack” is how she is known to all of her grandchildren. This term of endearment was given to her by her oldest Great-Grandson Trevor, years ago, when he was a little one. Grandma Jack is also survived by many grand, great grand and great-great-grandchildren, including a soon to be, much anticipated, great-great-grand daughter due next month, whom she has happily spoken of, cradling her in her arms, as she visited the other side, just days before passing through the veil! 

She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Brandon, her daughter in law Susan (Tony) Walker Tranchell, her parents, and 4 of her brothers; Isaac, Lawrance, William “Bill”, and Lee Jay. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to her wonderful neighbors and dear friends who blessed her later years. Every one of her family members have repeatedly heard, “I have the best neighbors!!” They have blessed her with countless delicious meals, visits, yard maintenance, and loving watchcare. We also feel deep gratitude for the tender loving care given by Rebecca and her entire staff at Heritage Gardens, Assisted Living Center in Springville. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, 15 April 2024 at 11:00 am. Friends and family may attend a viewing Sunday, 14 April 2024, 6-8 pm or Monday, 15 April 9:30-10:30 am prior to the funeral. All services will be held at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E 200 S, Springville, UT.  Interment will take place in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.