Alothea Beth McArthur Higgins

Alothea “Loa” Beth Higgins (McArthur), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 94. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and quiet strength that will be forever cherished by those who knew her. 

Born on December 10, 1930, in St. George, Utah, Loa was the daughter of Joseph and Gertrude McArthur. She grew up with a deep appreciation for family, nature, and life’s simple joys. She found beauty in the changing of the seasons, solace in her garden, and joy in the mountains. Her love for travel took her to many wonderful places, with Scotland, Europe and China being among her most treasured adventures. 

Above all, Loa was devoted to her family. She married M. James Higgins on October 8, 1950. They were parents to three daughters, Shannon Kerns (Mike), Sherri Boardman (Rick), and Kelli Lathrop (Mick). She was a proud grandmother to Meagan McArthur, Darren Kerns (Holly), Devin Gardea (Tony), Taryn Ross (Russell), and Torey Shonafelt, and a cherished great-grandmother to Olivia and Juliana Gardea, Cara and Emma Kerns, Kieran, Tiegan and Killian McArthur Wold, and Owen and Gavin Ross. She treasured her relationships with her sisters Mary McArthur and Alma Don Shurtleff and her beloved brother-in-law Lynn Shurtleff. She was a steady presence in their lives, always offering love, guidance, and unwavering support. 

Loa’s career was marked by dedication and leadership. A trailblazer for women in the professional world, she served as a respected leader at the Department of Welfare in Kern County. Admired by her colleagues for her wisdom, integrity, and compassion, she proved that kindness and professionalism could go hand in hand. 

Loa had a special way of making the ordinary extraordinary. Whether knitting Christmas stockings for each family member, making her famous Christmas fudge, or preparing her renowned yellow potato salad, she created traditions that will be carried on for generations. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, her husband Jim Higgins, her daughter Kelli Lathrop, and her granddaughter Meagan McArthur. While her passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, her memory will live on through the traditions she instilled, the love she shared, and the strength she embodied. 

A celebration of Loa’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, 2pm at McArthur Funeral Home in St. George, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to a charity of your choice, reflecting her lifelong spirit of generosity and care for others. 

Loa was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Loa’s light will never dim, for she lives on in the hearts of those who loved her. 

“We do not say goodbye but carry her with us—in the bloom of a flower, the warmth of a knitted stocking, and the quiet strength she instilled in us all."