Southern Utah educator and community leader LaRee Jones has had a front-row seat to many historical happenings. Over nearly nine decades, Jones has witnessed — and participated in — profound transformations in Utah and the nation. With a focus on family, service and faith, Jones has led a truly memorable life. Southern Utah Profiles takes a step back in time to reveal Jones’ remarkable story.
In the beginning
Mary LaRee McAllister Jones was born on Feb. 6, 1937, in Kanab. She came into the world when the United States was transitioning out of the Great Depression. Jones became the middle child in a family with seven siblings. Her parents, Mary Roxa “Roxy” Lund and John Hervey McAllister, moved the family to an old pioneer home in Salt Lake City when Jones was 2 years old.
“My father was a carpenter and he desperately wanted to remodel this pioneer house,” Jones said. “We lived just down the street from the University of Utah.”…