Marla Carroll Obituary

Our beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Marla Joy Christensen Carroll, passed away suddenly on December 25, 2025. She was born on December 23, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Earl LeRoy Christensen and Erma Haws Christensen. She was given the middle name Joy as she was the first daughter born after three sons. She was later joined by a beloved younger sister and another brother.

Marla was raised in Pleasant Grove, Utah, where she learned the value of hard work on the family farm. She helped sell produce at the family fruit stand and washed cars on the lot owned by her father. Cars became an important part of her life, and she was well known among her classmates for being able to drive a different vehicle from the lot whenever she wished. She enjoyed quick trips to Salt Lake City, whether to buy hair dye or to cruise State Street with friends.

Marla met David Carroll at the Hy-Spot Drive-in in American Fork, Utah. They were married on June 5, 1964, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Shortly after, David was drafted into the United States Navy, and they spent several years living along the Pacific Coast while raising their young family. Following his release from service, they settled in Riverton, Utah, where they made their home for more than 56 years.

Marla devoted many years to raising her children at home. When her fifth child entered school, she began working for the Jordan School District as a special education school bus driver. She took great pride in caring for the children entrusted to her and formed many lasting friendships during that time. She often spoke of the bittersweet feelings she experienced when the children graduated from the program. During this period, Marla and David welcomed their sixth child, eight years after their fifth. She later worked for the Utah State Prison as a phone operator and screener before retiring.

Marla inherited her love of travel from her father and delighted in taking her family on trips and extended family adventures around the world. She always kept a current passport and a suitcase ready for the next journey. She also enjoyed Sunday drives and carried an atlas in her car so she could explore any road that caught her interest. She loved studying maps and discovering hidden places across the country.

In later years, Marla and David enjoyed off-road adventures with friends as members of the Wah Wah Club. They relished getting lost, getting dirty, and exploring places well beyond what most would attempt at their age.

Marla was known for her playful spirit, unique sense of humor, and infectious laughter. Her grandchildren learned her love of fun firsthand and were always eager to return the pranks. Time spent with Grandma was filled with reading books, doing puzzles, playing games, riding four-wheelers, baking cookies, stargazing, and moose hunting.

Marla filled the lives of those she loved with joy, laughter, and adventure. Many remarked that her family was fortunate to share such a life full of fun and memories. Though she leaves behind a lifetime of cherished moments, she will be deeply missed. We love you, Mom.

Marla is survived by her husband, David Carroll; her children: Wendy Harding, Lisa Dake, Pam (Chad) McBride, Clay Carroll, Kevin (Laura) Carroll, and Mandi (Garrett) Oler; her grandchildren: Anthony, Brian, Justin, Tyler, Nathan, Donovan, Heather, Alexander, Ashlynd, Andrew, Arianna, Kylee, Cory, Austin, Miranda, Spencer, Hayden, Siara, Gavin, and Elias; 13 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and her siblings: LeRoy (Carol) Christensen, Cheryl Christensen, Richard (Pat) Christensen, Betty Sego, and Jay (Debra) Christensen. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Lola Jean (Les) Feliciana and brother-in-law Orin (Lynette) Carroll.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Ronald Christensen; her brother-in-law John Sego; her brother-in-law Duane (Terri) Carroll; and three great-grandchildren.

Service will be streamed via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89383957144?pwd=Dabi911uemaMUBcFAz42VwvLu1mHvH.1