Carla Marie Van Os

Carla Marie Van Os, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, gained her wings on September 27, 2023. Carla wanted to live forever and be everything for everyone, but was often limited by her physical body. She is now able to support, strengthen, and comfort those she loved the most in spirit. Knowing she has been reunited with her dear mother is a comfort to her family.

Carla’s mortal journey began on April 1, 1964. She was the youngest daughter born to Gene and Reta Halford, and was adored beyond measure by her parents and her three older sisters. She was raised in Bountiful, Utah, and moved to Salt Lake City with one of her sisters as a young adult. Carla met Richard Van Os, the love of her life, her soulmate, her best friend and confidant, at a dance hall in 1984. The two eloped on August 18, 1985 and raised four children together.

During the early years of marriage and motherhood, Carla worked for the Salt Lake Water Department. Carla knew her true calling was to be a stay at home mother which was a role she fulfilled with the deepest devotion, the fiercest love, and a delicate, admirable grace. When Carla and Richard were entering the “empty nest” phase, the two of them knew they still had so much love to give. They joined Rescue Rovers, an animal rescue group. Together, the couple saved over 400 precious souls, and Carla cherished each and every dog in her care and the friendships she developed with fellow fosters and adopters.

Carla had an unmatched zest for life and was an abundantly happy woman. She struggled with depression, and to combat this personal trial, she sought joy in family, friends, the gospel, various hobbies, dogs, and nature. She could always find the positive in any situation. Carla’s faith and religion were immensely important to her, and she sought to emulate Christ and praised her Heavenly Father. Family and friendship meant everything to Carla, and there was nothing she would not do for the people she loved. If someone needed a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, thoughtful advice, a “partner in crime,” or just a companion to run errands with, Carla was that person. To know Carla was to love her. She had a magnetism that would draw anyone and everyone into her orbit.

Carla is survived by her husband, Richard; her daughters, Rachael and Rhiannon; her sons, Matthew and Ryan, and her children-in-law, Patrick, Leslie, and Ashton. Her grandchildren, who brightened her life, Brooklynn, Parker, Benjamin, Scotty, Edmund, and Elliot. Her father, Gene; sisters, Pamela, Deborah, and Charlene; and brothers-in-law, Donald and Scott. Her 7 nieces and nephews and their families.

We will all miss Carla dearly, and will be honoring her life and memory with family and close friends. We ask that donations be made to Rescue Rovers in lieu of flowers. We will be holding an open house tribute to Carla’s life on Saturday, October 14th from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and a private luncheon for family afterward. The tribute will be held at the Grant Stake Center: 3153 S. 900 E. SLC, UT 84106.