“Sharon G. Larsen Second Counselor, Young Women General Presidency,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 103
Sharon G. Larsen
Second Counselor, Young Women General Presidency
Sharon G. Larsen was just 25 years old and newly married when she was called to be president of the Young Women in her stake. Never having been a ward Young Women president before, she felt overwhelmed by the call. “Every ward Young Women president was older than I was,” she remembers. “But they were so kind and so tolerant of this young, inexperienced leader, and I learned a great deal from them.” The calling was one of many that would help prepare her for her current responsibilities as second counselor in the Young Women general presidency.
Born on 6 February 1939 in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, Sister Larsen grew up in the small town of Glenwood, Alberta. “It was the most wonderful, magical place to grow up in,” she says. “Almost everyone in the town was a relative, and they all had the same values as my parents. We didn’t hear any mixed messages, and as a result, my childhood was very secure and safe.”
Sister Larsen attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton and then Brigham Young University, where she earned a degree in elementary education and met Ralph Thomas Larsen. They were married on 2 July 1964 in the Alberta Temple. The couple now live in Farmington, Utah, and have two children and one grandchild.
Sister Larsen taught elementary school for several years in Utah and Missouri and hosted a weekly educational television series, also in Utah. Her Church callings have included ward and stake Relief Society president, Young Women general board member, and national president of the LDS sorority Lambda Delta Sigma. She has also taught early-morning seminary and institute.
“I love young people, and I think the greatest compliment is when they consider me their friend,” Sister Larsen says. “The young women of the Church have never been better equipped to handle the challenges that are awaiting them. They are so good, valiant, and strong.” With her new calling, Sister Larsen will be able to be a friend to and positive influence on countless young women throughout the Church.