"Dear Leland,Lori,Landrew,Lael,and families,So very sorry to read of your dear wife,mother,and grandmother's passing.LaRita was one of the most gracious ladies I've ever known.My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love,Marsha Boggs"
In loving memory of
LaRita R. Boren
September 20, 1935 - February 10, 2011
Upland: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother on Thursday evening, February 10, 2011. LaRita R. Boren died in St. Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis. On September 20, 1935, LaRita Rae was born in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, to Raymond O. and Melba Gibbs. Her father owned and was president of a small-town bank and her mother was an educator. LaRita received her Bachelors of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in 1957. After graduation she became a stewardess for TWA Airlines where she worked until she married her husband, Leland E. Boren, on July 3, 1958. The couple has lived in Upland on LeLaLo Farms since 1965 where they raised their three children: Lori, Landrew, and Lael, who provided LaRita with six special grandchildren to love: Andrew and Samy Bowser, Karan and Kenny Meyers, and Katelyn and Luke Boren. In addition to being the major shareholder of Avis Industrial Corporation, LaRita held the position of Executive Director. She caused Avis to receive national certification as a Women's Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. She was a member of the Board of Directors of each of Avis' ten subsidiary companies and holds majority interest in a publicly held company, International Baler Corporation, in Jacksonville, Florida. LaRita was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Business Management degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Taylor University. She was also honored with Sagamores of the Wabash by two Governors of the State of Indiana. She was the recipient of the 2009 G. Roselyn Kerlin Women in Leadership award, which Taylor University established to recognize alumnae who have provided an extraordinary commitment to Jesus Christ and to others. Rosie Kerlin, for whom the award is named, was the first woman to serve as chair of the Taylor University Board of Trustees and has been LaRita's best friend while on this earth. In 2008, LaRita was inducted into The Indiana Academy by the Independent Colleges of Indiana for her lifetime of achievement and contributions to the cultural, scientific, literary, civic, religious, and educational development of Indiana. LaRita was a member of the Taylor University Board of Trustees from 1975-2009, and in 2009 she retained the title Trustee Emeritus; she had been a Board of Director of Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, Indianapolis, Indiana since 1998; and a Board of Director of Lyford Cay Foundation, Nassau, Bahamas, since 1991. The Lyford Cay Foundation is instrumental in providing college educations for over 2,000 Bahamians in the U.S. and Canada, which LaRita passionately supported. LaRita served on the Governor's Residence Commission with Mrs. Judy O'Bannon during Frank O'Bannon's term as governor. LaRita was very proud of her association and tenure on the Prevention of Child Abuse Board, the Indiana Chapter of the National Committee. She also most recently served on the Boards of Directors of The Boren Foundation, Inc., Citizens Plaza Building, LLC, Citizens Travel Agency, and Spring Hill Music Group, Inc. Survivors include her husband, Leland E. Boren, Upland; a daughter Lori (Bryan) Meyers, Upland; two sons, Landrew, Longview, TX, and Lael (Polly), Upland; a brother, Duane Gibbs, Rush Springs, OK; and grandchildren: Andrew and Samy Bowser, Kenny and Karan Meyers, and Katelyn and Luke Boren. Memorials may be made to Taylor University 236 W. Reade Ave, Upland, Indiana 46989 and First Light Child Advocacy Center 707 N. River Dr. # B Marion, Indiana 46952-2640. Funeral Service: 2:00 pm Monday, February 14, 2011, Taylor University Rediger Chapel, 236 W. Reade Ave., Upland, Indiana Visitation: 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm Sunday, February 13, 2011, Jones-Smith Funeral Home, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana, and an hour prior to the service at Taylor. Officiating: Rev. David Lynch Pall Bearers: Kenny Meyers, Duane Gibbs, Landrew Boren, Lael Boren, Andrew Bowser, Bryan Meyers Interment: Jefferson Cemetery Upland, Indiana
Tributes
"We are so sorry to hear about LaRita. She was a wonderful woman of God and it was an honor to know her. Our prayers are with your family. Blessings, Michael and Barbara Cooper"
"Sorry to hear of the loss of such a remarkable person. Unfortunately, I did not have the privilege of knowing her personally but only through close friends, associates, and her passion for community involvement. Her presence will be truly missed."
"Dear Leland, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I always thought of you and LaRita as a team. Larry Maddox shared with me the great tribute you shared about LaRita. I'm sure Pastor David Lynch did a great job with the sermon. Thanks to both of you for your generous giving spirit to Taylor, AU and IWU. None of us will really know all of the benefactors who were recipients of your generosity. Our thoughts and prayers go with you and family. Dan and Miriam Jeran"
"Dear Boren Family, I am so sorry to hear of LaRita's passing. She was a very special lady who will be missed by many. Your family will be in my prayers during this difficult time."
"Boren Family, I am so sorry to hear about LaRita's passing. She was a very special lady who will be sadly missed by many. Please know that your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will be praying for God to comfort you and give you peace during this difficult time."
"To Mr. Boren and family, I join many in celebrating the life of LaRita, who inspired us all in selfless contributions to so many people and organizations during her time on earth. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as you make transition without this wonderful lady by your side. Please stay well and in touch. Larry Myers"
"Please accept my deepest condolences. Mrs. Boren was indeed a lovely, talented lady. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to meet her until quite recently. However, I felt that I knew both she and Leland, having heard such great things about them through our mutual friend Dick Doermer. May she rest in peace. J. Thomas O'Reilly"
"every time we cross path's in your home or at Avis you always had a kind word to say to me, always took time out of your day to make me feel so welcome in your day. i will miss you so much and see that beautiful smile on your face. but one thing i do know you are with god, and you are save now. Miss Boren god bless you so much for everything and all the consideration you have always showed me. .................Richard from Culligan water"
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Boren family during this difficult time. LaRita was a very special person who will be sorely missed."
"My prayers are with the Boren family. I had the pleasure of meeting her at Pacific Forge. She was such a sweet woman. My prayers go out to the Boren family..I am so sorry for your loss."
"Mr. Boren and family My wife and I would like to send our condolences for the loss of your wife and loved one. But as my father said about my mother, "We didn't lose her, we know where she is!" We take great comfort in that! We have shared in the generousity of your family though your flying our daughter and her husband to Craig Jaggar's wedding and also through your generousity to our Church, The First Community Church of Matthews. We know that Mrs. Boren's life was filled with kind deeds and we honor her for that! May God bless you with His peace and comfort! Sincerely, Joe and Pam Ruberg"
"May God rest her soul. I'm so sorry for your loss."
"Mr. Boren, and family our prayers are with you through this difficult time. LaRita was the most gracious, caring and wonderful woman, and she will be greatly missed by all."
"When you grow up in a small town, your friends' moms become your own. Some of my fondest and earliest memories are of the many hours I spent in your home, with LaRita welcoming us as her own. My mom said it best - LaRita was larger than life, but yet always made each person feel so very important. What a legacy she has left. My heartfelt condolences to you all."
"My sympathy to you and your family. Best wishes for the future."
"I know you are with God. God bless and keep you."
"My deepest sympathy to the Boren Family. We will keep LaRita and you family in our prayers."
"To the Boren Family, I did not get to meet with Lorita more than once on a recent visit to Pacific Forge, but everyone speaks very highly of her and her husband. I know she will be missed and I wish that I could've known her better. My sincere condolences. Regards, Eric Falor"
"The family has my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone. God Bless and keep you in his care at all times"
"Boren Family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Not many women can be classy and down to earth like LaRita was. She touched my heart and helped me through a very difficult time in my life and I will never forget her kindness and love. I will always cherish her stories about her Daddy and growing up in Rush Springs. I love you all and please know you are in my prayers."
"My sympathy to La Rita's family. I went to school with her & she was always such a pleasant person. Loved her smile.My heart goes out to Duane & all of her family."
"I had the joy to know LaRita while serving as a board member for the Heartland Film Festival a number of years ago. She was the most gracious, kind, honest and intelligent businesswoman I had ever worked with and I treasure many memories of conversations with LaRita. As I travel I-69 to my own northern Indiana roots, I never fail to think fondly and gratefully of the Borens as I pass the Taylor University exit. May the family be comforted by the joy LaRita is causing in heaven right now! May God hold you close as you mourn this separation."
"May your memories of Larita bring you comfort during this diffucult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Missy John Tritan and Tanner"
"BETTY AND I SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND GOOD WISHES TO YOU LELAND AND YOUR FAMILY IN CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF LaRita.... IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL OBITUARY IN THE ANDERSON PAPER...WHAT A LADY. CARL AND BETTY ERSKINE"
"Mr. Boren, Our prayers are with you and your family. We will always remember Larita for her strength,compassion and work ethic. Her contribution towards her Christian values has been felt by so many and will live on through the many individuals she has touched."
"Duane and family, I am very sorry to hear about Larita's passing. I know words cannot heal your sorrow but I wanted you to know that you and the family are in our prayers. She was indeed a very wonderful, loving lady. My sincere condolences go to you. Sonny Landrum"
"Blessings & prayers for Leland (whose company I was employed by for 6 yrs.) and kids (whom I used to babysit). May time heal the hurt of losing LaRita. In sympathy, Cheryl (Himelick) Allen"
"Boren Family: Our prayers are with all of you. LaRita helped so many others while on Earth, and there's no doubt God has an important job for her in Heaven."
"Dear Mr. Boren and family, LaRita was a major source of inspiration and encouragement to me, literally since the first day we met. I'm a better person and certainly better as a teacher because of her influence on my life. While no one grieves more than you do, many grieve alongside you. I am one of them. We will be praying for you in this time of loss. John Bruner"
"Leland, we send our condolences and will keep you in our prayers as you deal with the loss of LaRita. Your nieghbors on Sellers. Mike & Norma Jean Brady"
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Boren and family. I shared many breakfast and dinners with the Boren family. You will always be with my family and I. God Bless, Jody"
"The Elton and Judy Teel family sends their love and prayers to you. LaRita was a wonderful woman and friend to all her hometown family and friends. John Teel, Charla (Teel) and Rick Gilleland"
"A truly lovely and delightful woman. She graced our community in so many ways; I personally witnessed her great concern for abused children. First Light Child Advocacy Center, its Director Janet Bailey, the staff and team who work there, and most importantly, the children it serves, have been touched by Mrs. LaRita Boren's generosity, wisdom, faith and compassion. Our deepest sympathies to her husband, children and entire family. Rest in peace, LaRita, rest in peace."
"The Dowlings send their LOVE. Don, Max, Susan, Jane, Steve, Carol..... Barbara, Gwen, Gary Tigert, Jack Porter, Kathy."
"Mr. Boren: My prayers go out to you and your family. I will always remember Mrs. Boren and the kindness and understanding she treated me with while I was employed at Avis. Respectfully, Alan Kovach, aka: IVAN"
"Loren and family, I am so sorry about LaRita. I always thought of her as such a classy lady. I have a lot of fond memories of coming to the farm to work on the cattle. She loved her community and especially her family. She will be missed by a lot of people. Gordon and Sandy Cripe"
"The world is an emptier place today. How privileged we were to have this great lady in our midst to share all that she had to give, so freely, so generously with each of us. We will hold that in our hearts to help fill that space. Our love and prayers to all of you."
"LaRita Ray was always a very special person from a lovely Christian family. I remember her as a very level headed straight forward person. Never seeking the limelight, always there in time of need. Our prayers are with her family."
"Leland, Lael and rest of the family, we have just returned from Orlando with family and are catching up with e-mails. What a shock to read of your loss! We have no idea of how much LaRita touched our community but of what we know we are so grateful for her positive influence and love for Upland. Know that you are in our prayers and trust the Lord will sustain you during these hard days ahead. Prayerfully, Jane & George Haines"
"We lift all of you up in prayer, trusting that God's spirit will surround you with peace and hope. We will miss LaRita so much. She was such a blessing to us."
"My prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time."
"Leland Boren and family please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness. We both loved and respected LaRita for her grace, strength, and unwavering support to all. She will be missed by all but will remain alive and well in our hearts."
"Mr Boren and family, I am deeply saddened by your loss. She was a wonderful woman who taught me so much in so few words in my years at the airport. I will greatly miss our chats at the airport and the friendly banter the two of you had."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Janet Bailey is my sister & she is heartbroken. She loved LaRita so much."
"It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of LaRita. She was an amazing lady. My thoughts are with Leland and the family."
"Dear Family, I am so deeply saddened at the news of LaRita's passing. Even though we are no longer family on paper, it does not change the fact that ALL of you are still family in my heart! I will never forget the kindness, generosity, hospitality, and love that LaRita extended to my family and me. She was such a gentle, yet strong, woman whom I greatly admired. I can still hear the sound of her soft southern voice. Please know that you have been, are, and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. You can take comfort in the fact that LaRita is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord! I love you all very much! Jeneva"
"Please accept our profound sympathy on the loss of this beautiful soul. God touched her lips, and she slept."
"Our sincere sympathy to your family. LaRita will be so missed here but so welcomed into heaven. What a special lady!"
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Boren family. LaRita was such a light to others that it will remain even though she is gone. Thank you LaRita for the lessons you taught me."
"Dear Mr. Boren & Family You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time in your lives. Donna Dalton Sellick Equipment"
"We are saddened by your loss of such a graceful, classy lady. LaRita certainly had a heart lined with gold. She will be missed. We are thinking of you all and praying for your peace, love, and strength in God's grace."
"Landrew and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and most of all our prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"Leland and kids.....We are so going to miss LaRita. She was a tower among women and we will miss her very much. We, is Upland and Taylor and myself, because she has given us so much of herself. She was generous, wise, loving, approachable, and very gloriful to her Lord, Jesus Christ. You all will be in my prayers! With love, Barb Davenport"
"Our deepest sympathy to all of the Boren family. LaRita was truly a Godly servant and will be greatly missed. She was one of the first to welcome us to the Taylor and Upland community over 15 years ago. Blessings and peace from the Lord be with you all."
"Leland, We would like to express our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you and your family. LaRita will be missed by all. Bob & Shelley Marshall"
"Dear Boren Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers will be with you during this difficult time. LaRita was a very special person and will sadly be missed! God Bless,"
"Courtney, Cooper and my thought and prayers are with your family. Heaven just received another angel from earth.."