Carla Staples

Carla was born on December 1, 1953, to August Colleni Jr. and Verna Jeane Hadley in Ogden, Utah where she lived her entire life. She was the oldest of 3 children.

Carla attended West Weber Elementary School, Wahlquist Junior High School, and Weber High School. As a high school senior, Carla was recognized as the Sterling Scholar in Home Economics. She furthered her education at Utah State University as a recipient of the Union Pacific Scholarship, where she continued her study of Home Economics.

Simply put, Carla’s life was centered around her love for family, community, and her Heavenly Father. Carla met the love of her life, Rod, at Utah State University. They were married in the Logan LDS temple. Together they raised three children, Elizabeth, Brian, and Spencer. Carla delighted in the success of her children and would brag about them every chance she could. Her ancestry beyond the veil was equally as important to her. Carla lived for genealogy. She spent hours upon hours updating family records and history. No doubt, Carla was met with open arms by all those who benefited from her efforts. She touted her Italian Heritage every chance she could and served as the historian for the Trentini Italians of Utah.

Carla never slowed down. She was constantly serving the community around her. Carla spent hours serving as a leader in The Boy Scouts of America. She attended Wood badge as a participant and served as a staff member. She was awarded the honor of the Silver Beaver and the District Award of Merit highlighting her service and continued contributions to the organization. Carla’s passion for sharing her love of nutrition and food preparation enveloped her life. She spent her life teaching these principles to young men and women through 4-H, Utah State Extension services in the where she instructed under privileged adults, incarcerated young moms, and the community. She was the go-to source of all recipes, instructions, and food related business.

Each year, Carla looked forward to entering her needlework and canning projects into the Weber County Fair. She won numerous awards including sweepstakes, best of show, and the 5-star canning award. Carla took a great deal of pride in her work and spent many hours stitching the perfect piece or researching the best canning techniques. Her award-winning entries will be missed as well as her position as the Superintendent of foods for the Weber County Fair.

Lastly, Carla love for her Heavenly Father was unwavering. Her testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was held deep in her heart. She served in various Relief Society and Primary positions. Her favorite calling was that of a Temple Ordinance Worker. She looked forward every week to serving in the temple no matter how early the alarm would sound.

Our mom was the glue that held everyone together. She was always willing to chat on the phone, visit with a neighbor or host a party for family and friends. She will be missed by many.

Carla’s legacy will live on, she is survived by her husband Rodney Carl Staples, her children Elizabeth Fallentine (Mark), Brian Staples (Staci), and Spencer Staples (Corianne), her mom, Verna Jeane Colleni Brunson, and her two brothers Don Colleni and Joe (Mitzi) Colleni. Loving grandchildren include Elizabeth’s children: Sara, Tyler (Katelyn), Dylan, and Mitchell. Brian’s children: Kennedy, Oaklan, Rigley, and Ally. Spencer’s children: Payton and Porter. She was proceeded in death by her dad, August and stepdad, Phil Brunson.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 12pm, with viewings Friday, February 2, 2024, 6-8pm, and prior to services 11-11:45am at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah.