Carla Arlene Nelson

Our loving mother, wife, and sister, Carla Arlene Nelson, passed away peacefully at her home in La Verkin, Utah on September 5, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on October 18, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Clyde Balmforth and Cleone Maud Jacobson. Carla’s formative years were spent in the Salt Lake Valley where she ultimately graduated from Granite High School. Carla met her husband to be, Evan, in 1967 and they were married in December of that year, In 1974, they moved their young family to La Verkin, Utah where she and a friend started Little Learners Preschool. She endeared herself to dozens of children and families in a short time. Her students today still know her as Miss Carla. As she immersed herself in the community, her strong work ethic led to 36 years of thoughtful, honest and kind interactions as she served thousands of customers including those at Stout Home Furnishings. Above and beyond any earthly treasure, it was her family that brought her true joy. Gathering for special events and holidays and seeing her posterity grow, learn and succeed brought tears of joy and gratitude to her heart. Her legacy is her family, and she continues to influence us from the other side of the veil. She is preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Cleone and sisters Betty and Donna. She is survived by her husband Evan Reese Nelson, her children Natalie Summerhays (Jonathan), Melanie (Harris Smith), Nathan, Gavan (Lora) and grandchildren Jade, Brielle, Taegan and great-grandchild, Hays. A viewing for Carla will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 70 South 300 West La Verkin, Utah. Following the viewing a celebration of life will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.