Mila V. “Vee” Larsen Gleave, age 90, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, at the home of her daughter in Kanab, Utah, one day after celebrating her 90th birthday. She was born April 2, 1936, in Richfield, Utah, the youngest of four daughters born to Lenard Deloy Larsen and Tina Baierline Larsen.
Vee grew up in Richfield, where she formed close and lasting bonds with her sisters, whom she loved dearly. As a young woman, she was active and spirited—playing first base and catcher on her middle school girls’ softball team and later serving as a baton twirler in her high school marching band. She treasured the many memories she made with her high school friends during those years.
During her junior year of high school, Vee began working as a secretary at Blake Electric in Richfield. It was during this time that she met Wendell Gleave, who lived next door to her sister, Patricia Barney. Their relationship blossomed, and they were married on August 26, 1955, in Richfield shortly after her graduation.
Together, Vee and Wendell built a life centered on family, raising their three children in McGill, Nevada; Kearny, Arizona; and Dudleyville, Arizona. As her children grew older and more independent, Vee returned to the workforce, taking a position at the Diamond J store in Dudleyville. She worked there for many years and greatly valued the friendships and connections she formed with her employer and co-workers.
Following Wendell’s retirement from Kennecott, the couple returned to Utah in 1985, settling in Marysvale. They later moved to Kanab in 1994, before returning to Marysvale in 2001. The beauty of the surrounding mountains drew them back, and it was there they chose to remain. Vee and Wendell were happily married for 65 years before he passed away in 2021.
Vee was creatively talented, and enjoyed making home decor, jewelry, toys for the grandkids, and other little cute things. It brought her great joy to share her creations with her family and friends.
Vee was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Wendell, and her sisters Shirley Jensen, Patricia (Jay) Barney, and Geraldine (Rell) Frederick.
She is survived by her three children, Barry (Tammy) Gleave, Wendy (Jeff) Vaughn, and Brian (Barbara) Gleave, 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Vee will be remembered for her fierce determination and independence, her warmth, her devotion to family, and the enduring relationships she cultivated throughout her life. She carried a deep love for her roots, her community, and especially for those closest to her.
The family would like to thank Zion’s Way Hospice, most notably Nicole and Marquita, who went above and beyond in caring for Vee during the final few weeks of her life.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Marysvale Ward Chapel. A viewing will be held on Saturday, prior to the services from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Ward Chapel in Marysvale. Burial will be in the Richfield Cemetery at 2:00 PM