Carla Thomas

Carla Pack Thomas, 77, passed away peacefully and with family surrounding her bedside, on November 13, 2017, in Layton, Utah. Carla was born to Harriett and Horace Pack on October 3, 1940, in Grace, Idaho. She and her older sister, Colleen, spent most of their growing-up years in the cozy town of Grace, in a home built by her father, who was a master carpenter. Thanks to a plentiful garden her parents tended in summertime, Carla developed a love for fresh fruit that continued throughout her life. She often said she could live without any food except fruit, with apples and watermelon being two of her favorites. During her growing-up years, Carla created many fond memories that included performing on her high school drill team, and working behind the ticket window of the town's movie theater. In 1959, a young man by the name of Jay Thomas returned home to Grace after serving in the Army. One evening, Jay walked up to the theater's ticket window and leaned in, not to ask Carla for a movie ticket, but instead for a date. She accepted that request, and a few months later she said "yes" again when he asked for her hand in marriage. Their marriage was one to be envied, as their 58 years together were filled with happiness, humor and harmony. Carla remained deeply in love with Jay and constantly expressed her affection and gratitude for him, regardless of the hardships and health challenges which came their way. On April 11, 1984, she and Jay entered the Idaho Falls Temple to make their marriage covenant eternal. Their union brought them two children, Daren and Tamara, and four grandchildren, Logan, Mallory, Jessi and Jenna. She is survived by Jay; her children and grandchildren; and her beloved sisters, Beverly Harrington of Chubbuck and Colleen Griffith of Idaho Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Harriett Pack; brothers, Ernest Martinson, Terrell Pack, and Horace Pack, Jr.; sisters, Margaret "Peggy" Smith and Ruth Tarbet. Carla was artistic and also very creative with the written word—she had a knack for writing delightful and insightful phrases, and she also developed a great skill with calligraphy. Her combined talents of artistry and eloquence resulted in every gift or card from her being a keepsake in itself. Her bookcase and night stand were always filled with books on self-help, holistic health and inspiration. She loved to learn and capture quotes, scriptures and insights on ways to improve her outlook, her health, and the well-being of her family. Faith and family were Carla's greatest treasures, and her love for both were evident in the way she lived. She constantly sought to know and fulfill her Heavenly Father's will, and she was committed to living the scripture in Joshua 24:15—which she had framed and hung on her bedroom wall—"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Carla was a source of humor and delight to her friends and family—she was constantly positive and encouraging. And she kept her family, friends and co-workers in stitches with her quick wit and playful personality. She had many inside jokes that she perpetuated for years, such as the phrase, "Big Red Truck!" when something was glaringly obvious, and "Yagottawanna" for an ongoing mantra. Carla's departure has left her loved ones deeply saddened—Big Red Truck! Yet her legacy of love, the laugh lines she's added to our faces, and her awesome catchphrases will bring ongoing comfort. If you've read this tribute to Carla all the way to the end, you likely have a smile on your face, warm recollections tugging at your heartstrings, and a sudden appetite for fresh fruit. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 24, 2017, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road in Ammon. The family will visit with friends from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held