Marla Marie Anderson

Marla Marie Anderson passed away at her home in Henefer, Utah, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with Covid Long-Haul Syndrome. She was surrounded by the love of her family. Marla was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Born on June 30, 1967 in Ogden, Utah, to C. LaMar and Marie Goodworth Richins, Marla spent her childhood years in Henefer where she enjoyed working with her family on their sheep and farming business. She particularly loved her trips to the desert in the winter and Cottonwood in the summer following the sheep herd. She had many childhood friends, and her home was the legendary "party house" of her youth, where countless nights and weekends were spent playing games and making memories that would last a lifetime. A friendship with Marla was a friendship for life, and she treasured these bonds deeply.

Marla graduated from North Summit High School in 1985 where she was actively involved in school life. She was the student body historian for two years and the Sterling Scholar in Home Economics. After graduation, she ventured to Utah State University to continue her education; it was there that she met her husband, Gregg Anderson. They were married on September 4, 1987 in the Salt Lake Temple. They began their married life in Henefer while Gregg taught science and Spanish in the Morgan School district, and Marla worked at the Park City Chamber of Commerce. As job opportunities became available, they then ventured on to Angleton, Texas; Lake Oswego, Oregon; Castaic and Valencia, California, and then finally back to Henefer in 2013.

Family was Marla's greatest devotion. Their son, Daniel, joined on July 13, 1994, and then eight years later, their daughter, Marissa, arrived on June 17, 2002. Marla was their biggest cheerleader, celebrating their accomplishments and offering them constant support. She also had unwavering love for her siblings’ families. She had a special way of showing her affection, bestowing nicknames upon her nieces and nephews—a true sign of her love. The flare for partying from her teenage years reemerged as she treated her kids, granddaughter, nieces, and nephews to many memorable adventures, such as sleepovers, outings, and vacations. Of course her family wasn’t complete without her puppies. Each had a special place in her heart, and they were a constant source of joy to her. Her other loves included Diet Coke, anything chocolate (especially Peanut Butter M&Ms), Warren’s fries, Five Crowns, SkipBo, the color black, and Christmas. (Each December her home was transformed into a veritable winter wonderland.)

A person of immense talent and creativity, Marla was a gifted artist. She poured her heart into her projects, whether it was through embroidery, sewing, knitting, and quilting. She crafted many beautiful wreaths, quilts, afghans, receiving blankets, pillow cases, and diamond art pictures. True to form of selflessness, many projects were made with someone else in mind, and found their way to family and friends. Even though bedridden, she made dozens of quilts, nearly 80 receiving blankets, and more than 100 pillowcases. She even discovered a new love for diamond art, and recently finished a picture that included 98,000 pieces, which won the sweepstake award at the Summit County Fair this month. Her work was a hallmark of her love for the craft and commitment to excellence.

Marla was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she held many callings in the Relief Society, Young Women’s, Primary, and Sunday School. She epitomized what it meant to be a visiting teaching/ministering sister, and blessed many with her “above and beyond” approach to serving others. Marla was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) for many years and felt deep respect and devotion for her pioneer heritage.

She was preceded in death by her father, LaMar; brother, Curtis G. Richins; father-in-law, William Anderson; and brother-in-law, Michael Anderson.

Marla is survived by her loving husband, Gregg; her children, Daniel and Marissa; and her granddaughter, Ryleigh Anderson. She is also survived by her mother, Marie; her brother, Todd Richins (Tiffany); her sister, Leslie Calderwood (Mark); mother-in-law, Kathleen Anderson; sister-in-law, Kimala Stewart (Scott); brother-in-law Reed Anderson (Angie); brother-in-law Derek Anderson (Shelly); brother-in-law, Donny Anderson (Mollie); sister-in-law Leann Anderson; and many beloved nieces and nephews who adored and were adored by Marla

A visitation with family will be held on Thursday, September 4th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Henefer Church. A visitation will also be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 from 9:45 to 10:45 with the funeral following at 11 a.m.

The family is so grateful for all who have shown an outpouring of love and support. Your thoughtfulness has provided immense comfort and strength during this difficult time.