Gene LaRose
Aug. 29, 1937 – June 2, 2025

Gene LaRose, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, leaving a legacy rich in love, laughter and lasting impact.

Gene was born August 29, 1937, in Alix, Alta. Her parents, Carl and Dagne Ringness, came to Canada from Norway a few years earlier with two of her older sisters. She grew up in Calgary with her three sisters, Aase, Elsie and Evie, and two brothers, Carl and John. They shared a deep love for the mountains, spending many weekends around Banff National Park making treasured family memories camping and skiing.
In 1953 she met the love of her life, Robert C, and the two were married in Regina in Sept. 1954. Together they built a beautiful lifelong marriage filled with love and unwavering support.

They were beloved Auntie and Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews from both sides of the families for many years before their own two daughters, Lynn and Laurie, came along.

Settling in Rocky Mountain House in 1972, their home was often full of visiting siblings and families. Their door was always open, and their hearts even more so. The annual horseshoe tournaments hold fond memories for so many cousins.

Gene loved being a mom. She was actively involved in the girls’ activities. She was a dedicated member of the Girl Guides for many years, serving as Brown Owl, Commissioner and Camp Advisor. She helped shape the lives of many young women with her steady leadership and warm heart.

She volunteered throughout her life in Rocky Mountain House, giving her time generously and with deep purpose. Her love of books and children led her to volunteer with the IODE Library on Main Street, she helped transition the library to The Mountaineer building. As the children’s librarian there, and later at the circulation desk in the new building, she helped build and support a lifelong love of reading for her patrons. She also volunteered more than 35 years with the wonderful organization of the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary. Whether organizing May Teas, Autumn Luncheons, working in the hospital gift shop, or serving on the executive board, Gene poured her energy into improving life for those around her. She was very proud of the work achieved by this outstanding organization of dedicated volunteers.

But perhaps Gene’s greatest legacy was the love and connection she nurtured among her family. Her home with Robert was often the heart of the family — alive with conversation, laughter, good meals, music and dancing. Her love was felt in her cooking, her laughter, her stories, her quiet guidance.

Grandchildren came along starting in 1990 and if being a mom was great, this was grand indeed!

Gene was a steadfast supporter in the lives of her grandchildren, always showing up with pride and enthusiasm. Whether it was cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, applauding from the audience at school concerts, or celebrating academic milestones, she was there — present, encouraging, and beaming with love. She believed in showing up, in the power of presence, and in making each grandchild feel truly seen and valued. Her warmth, wisdom, and genuine interest in their lives created a bond they will carry with them always.

Gene touched every life she encountered with kindness, compassion and generosity. Her legacy will live on in the family she cherished and with the friends she cultivated. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the love she gave so freely.

Gene is survived by: daughter Lynn Marie, grandsons Jared, Zachary (Jaice) and Quinn; daughter Laurie Anne, son-in-law Cary Mamer, granddaughters Arianna, Chloe (d:2002) and Genevieve; brother John and Sister-in-law Wanda; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at the Buster Creek Community Hall, west of Rocky, on Saturday, June 7, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honour Gene’s memory by donating to causes close to her heart: Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, Calgary Down Syndrome Society – Ups and Downs.

Her light will continue to shine in the lives she touched. She loved the quote from Tuesdays with Morrie: As long as we can love each other, you live on — in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.