Marla Checketts McKenzie

Marla Checketts McKenzie, 72, left her earthly home the morning of her birthday, December 24th, and returned home to our Heavenly Father and family members who have previously passed away. What a fun birthday party it must have been in heaven.

Marla was born on December 24, 1950, in Ogden, Utah to Eldon and Gertrude (VanDeGraff) Checketts. She was the most precious Christmas gift. She grew up in South Ogden where she graduated from Bonneville High School and attended Weber State University. Marla spent a few years living in Fresno, CA and Seattle, WA, before returning to Utah.

She met the love of her life, Larry B. McKenzie, Sr. in 1977. They spent many happy years together before they got married on November 9, 1984. They purchased a beautiful home in Uintah where she resided with Larry for the last three decades

Marla was employed by the Internal Revenue Service for 35 years and retired 17 years ago. She was able to spend her time serving, supporting, and blessing the lives of her husband, stepchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a fixture at family activities and went out of her way to like and comment on the social media posts of family and friends alike. She was a busy bee at family functions as she floated from one niece or nephew to another, catching up on the details of their lives and making each one of them feel loved and appreciated. She was known for her grasshopper pie and for giving out gingerbread cookies to each family member every Christmas, along with a heartfelt card. She always had a smile, laugh, quick wit, warm hug, and a twinkle in her eyes. Marla loved her family fiercely—her total love and dedication was to her husband and her family.

Marla wore many different hats: Grandma Mac, Auntie, Toots to her husband, Mom to her stepchildren and her kitties, Nigel and Scamp, and her beloved dogs Brandy and Lacy. Her love for animals and family was heartwarming and inspiring. She loved scenic drives, traveling, and adventuring with Larry and her family.

Marla generously supported the Festival of Trees (Primary Children’s Hospital Foundation for needy children and families) by creating and donating beautiful centerpieces that were auctioned off almost every year for two decades. She spent countless hours planning and creating the works of art that she would donate and would often help with other tree displays at the festival, both large and small.

Marla was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved attending temple open houses, Relief Society activities, and service projects with her wonderful friends from her ward. She also loved going to lunch with her friends from high school.

She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 38 years, Larry B. McKenzie, Uintah; stepchildren, Larry Butch (Jana) McKenzie, Arlington, TX; Cindy (Tommy) Land, Uintah; Theresa (Jon) Craner, Ogden; Laurie McKenzie, Crumpler, NC; 10 step-grandchildren, 6 step-great-grandchildren, and one more Lil’ Miss on the way, all whom she adored and supported in everything they did. She is also survived by her sister, Colleen (Jeffrey) Brown, Draper; brother, Paul (Ann) Checketts, Layton; beloved sister-in-law, Edie Checketts, South Ogden; brother-in-law, Doug (Dee Dee) McKenzie, Hartford, WI;  14 nieces and nephews, and 34 great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Brent E. Checketts; her parents; and three step-grandchildren.

Dearest Marla, You were my sweetheart, my “Toots”, my wife, and my best friend. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. I will always love you and I will miss you every day. Thanks for always taking care of me and being so good to me. I will come find you when it is my time, then we will be together again forever. I love you with my whole heart, Larry

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 5, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Uintah Spring Canyon Ward Chapel, 2501 Eastwood Blvd., Ogden, with Bishop Dan Milne presiding. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd., Ogden. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Primary Children’s Hospital, Festival of Trees Organization, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Marla’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com, where condolences may also be shared.

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