Pauline V. Larson

Pauline Velma Bourne-Larson (97) was promoted to glory on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 peacefully, as her race here on earth was finished and she is now resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior. 

A precious bundle of joy entered the world on Saturday, August 24, 1929 at the Bourne’s home in Palouse, Washington after having two active and loving little boys. Their princess had finally arrived. 

Pauline was born and raised in the beautiful, endless rolling hills of the Palouse region. Her adoring brothers Richard and Raymond and their parents Harley and Vena Bourne all who preceded her in death. Her loving dad died when Pauline was only 6, but she had fond memories of him. Pauline was also preceded in death by her husband Charles Edward Larson and her beloved son, Gregory Charles Larson (Susie) who she grieved for until her last breath. 

She is survived by her son Eric Jon Larson, her precious grandchildren: Kristi (Sean), O’Rourke, Andrew (Sarah), Larson, Bonnie (Ryan), Thompson, Eric Jon Larson, Chris Pierce and her spirited great-grandchildren: Rori, Colin, Riley and Remi O’Rourke, Jack Nottingham, Landry, and Charlie Larson, Blake and Brody Thompson, Luxi Larson, and Nova Pierce. 

In 1941 their Palouse farm house burned down, so Pauline and her mom moved into the town of Palouse. In 1943 they moved to Rockford to care for Pauline’s Grandma, Delia Stoner due to her age. In 1948 Pauline graduated from Rockford High School. That same year she married Ed Larson on November 14th . He farmed and grew wheat, barley, lentils, and peas while Pauline grew a garden. 

Pauline’s passion of family and community were very essential in her life. She was dedicated to whatever she was involved in, whether taking food out to the farmhand, baking her famous apple pie, or volunteering in the kindergarten class at Freeman. She showed her love through food including making birthday cakes from scratch. Canning was a big process in her kitchen each year as well. She didn’t want you to be hungry. If you have crossed paths with her, you probably tasted one of her delicious treats or tasty morsels that she made for a special occasion. 

She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, assisted with Vacation Bible School for decades, helped organize the church’s annual Christmas bazaar and served on the UMW Organization as President. 

There is a Pea and Lentil Association that she absolutely loved participating in. She would go to the Washington State Fair and have samples of lentil chili or soup for the patrons. Ed was growing lentils and she was trying to get the word out that “lentils were good for you to eat.” 

Pauline will be missed as a mother-in-law, grandma and great grandma for so many beautiful reasons. She loved each one of us individually and she especially loved our hugs. We will be longing for her delicious apple pies, snickerdoodle cookies, apple butter, and other treats for many years to come. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held this Friday, October 30th, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Rockford, Washington: 211 S 1st Street, Rockford, WA 99030. We would love to see you there. 

The family would like to thank Sophia and her staff at Heart Full Care Adult Family Home in the Spokane Valley for the exemplary care and the extra special attention they gave Pauline these past two years of her life. We were blessed to have a loving care team who adored Pauline and dedicated their time and energy in caring for her. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to the United Methodist Church in Rockford, Washington.