Eudora Jean Larson (Miller) passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at the age of 99. Just weeks earlier, family and friends gathered to celebrate her 99th birthday with a steak and shrimp lunch and birthday cake at Highgate Senior Living in Flagstaff. The highlight of the day was the joy of her presence.

Born on November 9, 1925, in Bridgewater, South Dakota to Dominic and Ruby Miller, Eudora grew up alongside her brother, Delmar. She attended public school in Salem, South Dakota before pursuing higher education in her home state. These early years laid the foundation for a life dedicated to service and community.

While still in South Dakota, she met the love of her life, Harold C. Larson. There are many stories of them dancing the night away at small hometown dances. Upon his return from Europe after serving in the Army, they wed on June 15, 1947. They had two children, Vickie Ann and Steven Allen, born about four years apart.

The family resided in small college towns as Harold worked on his Masters and Doctoral degrees. After settling in Waukesha, Wisconsin for a number of years, they made their last move across the country to Flagstaff, Arizona. As Harold would tell it, mom started crying as they drove across the dry flatlands of New Mexico, so different than the lush, green vegetation of Wisconsin. As they left Albuquerque, the San Francisco Peaks came into view, and her tears dried up. Flagstaff quickly became her favorite place.

After moving to Flagstaff, Eudora worked as an attendance registrar and counselor secretary at Coconino High School. In this role she became a vital part of the school community, offering support to students and staff with unwavering dedication. Her kindness and professionalism left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Eudora became active in the Federated Community Church in Flagstaff, Northland Hospice, NAU Retirees Association, and the local chapter of PEO. Through these connections, she met many people who quickly became longtime friends. She added to this long list of friends when she moved into Highgate Senior Living facility in February, 2022.

Family members have many favorite memories of their time with her while they were growing up; attending Federated Community Church services with her when they were in high school, playing cards and board games at family gatherings, a candy dish or three that were strategically placed around the house and were always full of Peanut M&M's or other candy when any of the grand-kids or great grand-kids visited, shopping for back to school clothes with her, watching her cheer them on at soccer tournaments, having lunch in the "garage lounge" with her, and of course, her love of hot dogs.

Most of all, they remember her delightful sense of humor, her kindness, her unique ability to ask thoughtful questions, and her ability to remember life updates, like a new job or a move to a new place. The first thing she would always ask when starting a conversation was, "How is everyone in the family doing?"

Eudora's long life was defined by her commitment to her family and her ability to connect with others in meaningful ways.

May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Eudora was preceded in death by her father Dominic and mother Ruby Miller, her brother Delmar Miller, her husband Harold Larson, and her daughter Vickie Lynch (Larson). She is survived by her son Steve Larson (Kay Young Larson), son-in-law Joseph Lynch, grandsons Aaron Lynch (Roxy) and Brandon Lynch (Ellen), granddaughter Kari Larson, and five great grandchildren (Madison, Gwen, Brody, Annie, and Nathan).

Funeral services will be on January 18, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Federated Community Church, 400 West Aspen Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

To leave family condolences, please visit https://www.norvelowensmortuary.com/ .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the NAURA Centennial Scholarship at NAURA Centennial scholarship | NAU Retirees Association (NAURA) .