Marva Evans Calton

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Marva Evans Calton, returned to our Heavenly Father after a life filled with love, faith, hard work, devotion, and selfless sacrifice on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Marva was the fourth of seven children born to Darryl Elijah Evans and Margaret Berghout on December 10, 1937. At a young age she learned the value of hard work, thrift, and perseverance; qualities that shaped the way she lived throughout her life. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert, daughter, Jayne, and five siblings: James Evans, Louis Evans, Cora Franke, Newell Evans, and Charlie Evans. Her remaining brother, Ben Evans, has been a source of sweet love and support to her during the last several years.

She graduated from West High School in 1956 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University in 1960. In 1972, she received her Master's degree in Education from the University of Utah.

Marva married Robert Gordon Calton on June 22, 1960. Together they welcomed five beloved children: Jayne, who passed away at the age of three in 1965; Marlon Calton (Dee); Denise Moncur (Shane); Janine King (James); and Cherilyn Bloomer (Jim).

Marva's life was marked by extraordinary courage and determination. Following the death of her husband to malignant melanoma in 1971, she lovingly and faithfully raised her four remaining children that at the time of her husband’s death were all under seven years old, as a single mother. Through countless sacrifices, she provided a home filled with love, security, and unwavering support. Her strength and resilience became a lasting example to all who knew her.

She also enjoyed a distinguished career as an elementary school teacher, dedicating 30 years to teaching kindergarten and first grade. She was deeply committed to her students and found great joy in helping young children discover a love of learning.

A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Marva was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in many callings throughout her life, including as a Temple Worker and later as a senior missionary in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Mission. She also devoted countless hours to family history work, finding great joy in preserving the stories and names of those who came before her.

Above all, Marva cherished her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who consistently placed the needs and happiness of her family above her own. She was immeasurably proud of each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and found her greatest joy in watching them grow and succeed.

Her fifteen grandchildren were among her greatest blessings: Nikki, Matt, Kyle, Scott, Harrison, Jacob, Tommy, Hannah, Bryce, Holden, Zach, Cade, Hope, Will, and Hyrum. She also delighted in her ten great-grandchildren (and counting): Pennie, Ellie, Charlotte, Lucy, Claire, Lizzy, Ty, Joey, Alora, Bowen, and one more on the way, due in early October.

Blessed with a keen intellect and a lifelong love of learning, Marva was an avid reader and gifted writer. It was common to see her seated with a book in hand and a stack of books of which she was reading beside her. She authored numerous books, poems, and family histories that will continue to bless and inspire generations to come.

Marva leaves a legacy of faith, love, sacrifice, and hard work. Her quiet strength, unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ, and steadfast trust in the Lord carried her through every trial and inspired all who knew her. Her influence will continue to be felt for generations through the family she loved so deeply and the countless lives she touched.

We love you, Mom. Thank you for your example, your sacrifice, and your endless love. Until we meet again.

Family and friends are warmly invited to join us for a Graveside Service on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

The service will be held at Kaysville Cemetery 500 East Crestwood Road, Kaysville, Utah 84037