Jan. 2, 1939 — Oct. 26, 2022
Carla Irene Hoyt Brooks passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, in South Jordan, Utah, after spending the week with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was born to Elmo and Irene Hoyt on Jan. 2, 1939 in Kamas, Utah, as the second of four children.
Carla grew up in Kamas, where she worked on her parents’ cattle ranch and at her mom’s cafe while attending South Summit High School. She moved to Brazil as an exchange student right after high school, which solidified her love of travel and adventure. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English education at Utah State University and after backpacking across Europe, she moved to St. George, Utah, to teach at Dixie High School. She later completed a master’s degree at Southern Utah State College in 1989.
While teaching at Dixie High, she met Karl Brooks, the love of her life, and they married in Kamas on June 4, 1965, before being sealed in the Los Angeles Temple a year later. They moved to Pomona, Calif., as newlyweds, then returned to Utah for Karl to get his Ph.D. They then spent a few years in nearby Monticello before finally settling in St. George.
Carla went back to teaching at Dixie High School when her children were in school, and for the next 25 years taught English, Spanish, debate and speech. Besides her students, her greatest professional accomplishment was establishing, expanding and growing the Utah Academic Decathlon where she not only took the program national, but served as director for many years.
After retirement, she also had the opportunity to serve two LDS Missions with her husband in Boston and San Diego. She served in many callings being a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all her life.
Carla loved her family, picnics and gardening with her rose garden being her pride and joy. She loved setting up bird feeders to watch her birds, being in Pine Valley, going on drives to look at autumn leaves, and she maintained a great love of global travel throughout her life.
She is survived by her three children: Sharla Moody (Paul), Daren (Kelsey), and Barton (Gregg); grandchildren: Melynne Vick (Ian), Kacen Moody, Rhett Moody, Rashae Williams (David), Denver Riley, and great-grandchildren: Addilyn, Kensley, and Henry Vick. She is also survived by her siblings: Shirlene Page, Herond Hoyt (Gaylen); and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Karl; her parents; and brother, Jodie.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 at 11 a.m., following a viewing from 9 a.m.-10:45 a.m., at the Red Hills Chapel, 200 W. 500 North, St George, Utah. Interment will be held at the St. George Cemetery located at 600 E. Tabernacle Street.
Services will be livestreamed at the following link: https://sgstake.com/redhillschapel/.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Dove Center, 435-628-1204, 1240 E. 100 South, Suite 221, St. George, Utah 84790, https://dovecenter.org/
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.