Carla Ley

Carla Jean Ley, 50, rose to heaven October 16, 2013, with her family by her side in Centerville, Utah. A memorial service was held Saturday, October 19th at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Kaysville, Utah.
She was born October 5, 1963, in Huntington, Indiana to Thomas and Ruth Ann Nicholson. Carla had a fine childhood in Huntington, and headed south in search of new adventures shortly after graduating high school to eventually ended up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Carla met her future husband there on a blind date set up by a best friend, and they spent the next 29 years together. Carla followed her husband, who was in the Air Force, on adventures around the world and they eventually ended up back in Florida where they retired from active duty. In the process, they added a son and daughter to their family who were, and are, their pride and joy.
Carla loved playing all-night card or dice games with “the girls”, and her husband was heard many times in the wee hours of the morning yelling down the hallway from the bedroom “keep it down so people can sleep”. Her passion for pickles, black olives, a good cup of coffee, and a smooth bottle of wine were legendary (not necessarily in that order or together).
Much of Carla’s time and energy over the last 17 years was consumed by a running battle with different forms of cancer. Even during the worst of times, her optimism and driving spirit inspired everyone around her. Carla was the most kind, loving, supportive, and humble person one could ever hope to meet and deserved better than such a hardship. The doctors and nurses at the Utah Cancer Center were the latest in a long line of medical “super heroes” that treated her illness, and enough can’t be said to express gratitude for all their assistance and never-ending source of “miracles”.
Carla enjoyed the last seven years living in Utah. She was able to witness her children blossom in school, sports, and life in-general; she was an amazing mother and homemaker. There were many great times spent with new friends and neighbours, and she loved to explore the numerous wonders of the state. Even with such good times, her heart was always being pulled back to the place she loved most: the panhandle of Florida. And so, her husband and family will honor her wishes and hold a private funeral for Carla in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on October 26th where the sea breeze will be gently blowing, Jimmy Buffet music will be softly playing, and a cold beverage will be lifted in tribute to her at sunset on the beach. She will finally be free and at peace.
Memorial Donations may be made in Carla’s name to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.