Raylene Larsen passed away on December 28, 2018, at the age of 97. Her husband, Dale Larsen, served as the president of York College from 1960-1978. The couple is remembered for their impact at York College in the early years of its restructuring after the transition to Church of Christ leadership. After retiring as York’s longest-tenured president, Dale Larsen served for three decades as the college’s chancellor. In October 2009, YC dedicated the Larsen Commons, an outdoor event space on campus, to honor Dale and Raylene Larsen for their lifetime of service to the college. Raylene was known for her quiet dignity and tender spirit.

Raylene and Dale together defined what the presidency of York College should look like, said President Steve Eckman. “Although Dale was the public face of the College during his tenure, they were always a team.” Always supportive of her husband and his leadership, Raylene dedicated her life to ministry. 

“It would be hard to find a more gracious person who impacted York College in a myriad of ways while supporting her husband’s work,” Eckman said.

Raylene is survived by her children Aloha Humphrey ‘74 and Zayne Larsen ‘77, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.