Emily Rose Larson

Emily Rose (Derocher) Larson, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2026, in Federal Way, Washington, after a courageous battle with dementia. She was born on September 15, 1938, to Eugene and Rose Derocher of Bark River, Michigan. The ninth of 12 children, and unquestionably the most stylishly dressed, Emily grew up on a small dairy farm.

As the eldest of the younger four Derocher girls, Emily often led her sisters at the piano as they sang for the family after supper each evening. She was also her father's chief messenger, literally running out to the fields with the latest Detroit Tigers score while he worked (a fitting role, considering her future husband would briefly play for the Tigers organization). She was raised in a farmhouse where visitors were always welcomed and plenty of good food was served (the homemade bread is legendary). Those early lessons in hospitality stayed with Emily throughout her life and became one of her defining gifts. She was known for hosting friends, family, neighbors and community leaders alike, making everyone feel welcome.

Emily attended Holy Name High School in Escanaba, Michigan. She married Ron Larson of Gwinn, Michigan, in 1957, and together they embarked on an adventure to Alaska and the young agricultural town of Palmer. Their bold move would become foundational not only for their family but also for the growing Palmer community.

Emily was by Ron’s side as he taught and coached at Palmer High School and later entered public service as the first mayor of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. When Ron was elected to the Alaska State House of Representatives, they continued their shared commitment to serving their community.

Emily kept an energetic pace, raising her children Dean and Michelle, baking pies for Slippery Gulch (St. Michael’s Church Booth at the State Fair), and spinning cotton candy and pushing daffodils for the American Cancer Society. She was a stellar fundraiser and ultimately achieved the position of Alaska State Chairman of the American Cancer Society.

In later years, Emily moved to Washington State to be closer to Michelle and her family. She treasured time with her grandchildren, Maddy and Mac, attending countless baseball, basketball, and volleyball games while generously offering her trademark fashion advice. She also loved being just a short flight away from Dean in San Francisco, where she enjoyed visiting him and attending his remarkable art exhibitions.

After Ron's passing in 2000, Emily remarried to Gary Schneider of Everett, Washington, in 2009. Together they enjoyed traveling, golfing, and spending time with friends. Emily was famous for her red-orange lipstick kisses, lively polka dancing, piano playing, and uncanny ability to help anyone discover their perfect color chart. She could also create an elegant gathering at a moment's notice, complete with matching cocktail napkins and a homemade dessert.

Nothing brought her greater joy than being "Grammee" and later "GG" to her great-granddaughters, Ellie and Taylor. Family was at the center of her life, and she celebrated every milestone, gathering and opportunity to be together.

Vibrant to the very end, Emily outlived all of her siblings. Though the 12 Derocher children have now all passed on, their legacy of Midwestern hospitality, perseverance and devotion to family lives on. We suspect there’s been some lively music, intense Scrabble and Yahtzee games, and a beautiful spread set out for Emily as she reunited with much of family.

Emily is survived by her children, Dean (Jose) and Michelle (Mickey); her grandchildren, Maddy (Erik) and Mac (Danielle); her great-grandchildren, Ellie and Taylor; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Her zest for life and spirit will live on in all of our hearts. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on June 19 at 4:00 p.m. at Bellarmine Preparatory School, St. Aloysius Chapel (located at: 2300 S. Washington St., Tacoma, WA 98405). A reception will follow at the Freeberg home in University Place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bellarmine Preparatory School.