Maurine LaRue Bailey

Maurine LaRue Bailey passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 5, 2026. She was a one-of-a-kind person who brightened the world around her and will be greatly missed.

LaRue was born October 14, 1948 to Paul Ephraim Hansen and Ruth Anna Anderson in their home in Ephraim, Utah.

Growing up she spent summers living at the Great Basin Experiment Station in the Manti-La Sal Forest. There she developed a lifelong love of wildflowers, mountain landscapes, and all the little animals found there. That love of nature stayed with her always, and she delighted in sharing it with her children.

LaRue was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony of the gospel. From a very young age, she faithfully walked herself to church meetings each week, following the example of her pioneer ancestors.

She graduated from Manti High School in 1966. LaRue then went on to attend Snow College for two years before graduating in 1970 from Utah State University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

LaRue began her teaching career in Whiterocks, Utah, before serving as a missionary in the Indiana Michigan Mission from 1972 to 1974. Following her mission, she moved to Vernal where she met John Bailey, who later became her eternal companion when they were married and sealed in the Manti Temple on August 5, 1977.

LaRue continued her 38-year long teaching career, primarily teaching 3rd grade in the Uintah School District. Her many students will likely remember a classroom filled with arts and crafts, plants, and music. At times, she even kept live parakeets and finches in her classroom.

She nurtured creativity not only in her students but also in her own home. As a mother, she encouraged her three children in their many interests and talents. LaRue loved to write. She wrote many stories and poems and was known to write many letters to the editor. She found joy in her garden, tending to her plants and flowers, and watching the birds that gathered at her many feeders.

While she always kept a tidy, well-dusted home, it was always filled with family heirlooms and the treasures from her children and grandchildren.

After retiring in 2011, LaRue loved traveling to visit her children and grandkids in Washington, Utah, and Nebraska. She enjoyed reading, doing genealogy work, and keeping a journal. She kept meticulous records of her life and the lives of her loved ones. She always remembered to send cards for the many birthdays and anniversaries of family members and friends.

LaRue is preceded in death by her parents, her older brother Frederick, and her sister Laura Hansen McGraw.

She is survived by her beloved husband, John; her three children; Andrew (Laurie), Robin (Emily), and Elizabeth (Gary); along with her 13 grandchildren. She is also survived by her older sister Nathalie.

Funeral services for LaRue will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11am at the Vernal Stake Center (850 W 100 N). Viewings will be held Friday, February 13, 2026 from 6-8pm at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary (15 E 100 N) and from 9:45-10:45am prior to the service at the Chapel. Burial will be in the Ephraim City Cemetery Monday, February 16, 2026 near her parents and siblings.