Carla Jean (Empey) Christianson

Carla Jean Christianson (Empey), 82, passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on March 15, 2026.  Carla was born and raised in St. George, Utah to Howard Empey and Norma Empey (Bringhurst) on Oct 9, 1943. She truly loved her callings and being a member of the  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. She exemplified compassion, humility, and charity for everyone she came in contact with. She embodied the love of Christ.  She is survived by husband George Christianson; children, Carlene (Daniel) Hirschi, Laura Christianson, George (Audra) Christianson; Grandchildren, Paul Christianson, Jacob Hirschi, Anastasia Hirschi, Charise (Gideon) Jardine, Sylvia Hirschi, Rebekkah Hirschi, Megan (Anthony) Ross, Cassidy Christianson, Aria Christianson, Kelsey Christianson, and seven great grandchildren; sisters, Lawana (Gene, deceased) Justet, and Janice (Ralph, deceased) Lamoureux. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Keith, Merlin, and Kendall.

Carla learned how to work hard by making detergent, folding, and ironing in her mom’s laundry who did clothing for guests. She was an adventurous young girl and in her teenage years she worked at Liberty Movie Theater and then later on at Hawthorne where she sewed tents. Carla was able to meet many actors and actresses that passed through or were filming in and around St. George.

Carla met her sweetheart and lifelong love George Christianson when she was 20. He was working for ADOT on a nearby road project and staying in St. George. She knew instantly when she set eyes on him that he was the one.  They married on Oct 9, 1965. Carla and George had their 1st child Carlene while living in Seligman, Az. It was a short few years and they had their 2nd  child Laura. George was still working on road projects and Carla would be driving to the Doctor in Prescott where she would be frequently pulled over by DPS since she was always in George’s fast GTO car. In 1968, they completed their final journey to Prescott where their 3rd child George was born. They built their home and have resided there ever since.

Carla loved being a homemaker and taking care of her 3 children that she raised and instilled great values in. She taught them how to work hard and importance of family. She lived and worked many fun jobs as she loved to babysit, sale Tupperware multiple times as a dealer, and Pampered Chef dealer. Later when the kids were all in school she worked for the Prescott Courier and she really enjoyed that job. Later in life she sewed straps for Renegade horse hoof boots which she loved doing to keep her sewing skills and make some extra money for the family. Her most favorite time was spent on the family whether cutting wood, hunting, fishing, and just good ole family vacations across the state and the whole US. Camping was one the Christiansons greatest vacations and past times. We loved our trips to Lake Powell not how difficult or rough sometimes they would be with all in tow. One of the wildest trips was just her and George traveling to Alaska for a month- long road trip.

Carla loved singing, playing cards, sewing, and craft projects. She made quilts, embroidered dozens of towels, and so many other coats, vests, and other clothing articles. She was truly a seamstress. One of her most favorite pastimes and daily routines was to shop and get the best bargains even if it meant going to 3 different stores. She believed in bargain shopping and shared her successes with her children. Another passionate routine and pastime was going out to eat.  Carla made home cooked meals her whole life and was a magnificent cook. So, she treated herself to eating out at the local restaurants.

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