Obituary

Dr. Kayla Christlieb Carter, age 59 of Phoenix, AZ transitioned into a better place on August 1st 2018. She was at home and surrounded by her closest family members. She was the third daughter, born to the late Richard and Della Christlieb, on August 16th 1958. 
Her life is the purest example of perseverance, dedication, family, and love. At a young age she left Provo Utah to move to Phoenix to live with her sister Brenda. She became pregnant with her oldest son Richard Scott Hall who was born on May 11th, 1978. She then relocated back to Utah. Shortly after, she married her first husband Byron F. Hall. While married they would have two more sons. Daniel Jennings Hall was born on June 22nd 1979, and Douglas Byron Hall was born on July 14th 1982. Byron and Kayla would divorce in the late 1980’s.  
It is at this time in her life, where perseverance and dedication were exemplified in her struggles as a single mom taking care of three children. She was often found working two, sometimes three, jobs to keep food on the table and a roof over her families’ head. She wasn’t receiving much, if any, support from her ex-husband. In addition to these struggles she started going back to school, working towards a bachelor’s degree. It was during these years that she met her future husband Philo Sims Carter, Jr. From a previous marriage he brought Anthony Donald Carter, born June 10th 1981. Kayla and Philo were married on May 10th 1991, their youngest child, and only daughter, Malynda Anne Carter was born August 4th 1991. This would complete the core family known as the Carter/Hall clan.  
After completing her family unit and marrying the love of her life, it was then that Kayla was able to finish her college degree in education. In the fall of 1994 she became a math teacher at Peoria High School. Kayla came from a long line of educators, her father and her grandmother, and would have taught math to any kid on the face of the earth if she could have. It was in her lineage and the next period of her life would prove to be extremely fruitful because of this.  
It must be said however, that family was not defined in any way by blood. Kayla was known for attempting to take care of the world. Her devoted friend Maria Hayduke, also born August 16th, became ill with breast cancer. Kayla and Phil became the godparents to her two sons, Alex Hayduke and Justin Hayduke. In typical Kayla fashion she took these young gentlemen into her home and cared for them as her own. In addition Kayla also became the legal guardian of her niece Audrey Jungen. Audrey too came to live with Aunt Kayla and ultimately flourished under her parenting. This would now make a family of eight children.  
Kayla was always at her best when she was faced with a challenge or a goal. Many would have felt they had reached the pinnacle of success with just a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. Not Kayla, she went on to obtain a Master’s Degree, and even a Doctorates. In 2005 she became the Principal of Peoria High School. This was the beginning of a large transition for the school. She oversaw the construction and completion of several new educational facilities. In 2008 Peoria High School was given the Blue Cup award from the Arizona Interscholastic Association. Her career as a high school educator and principal came to a dramatic end. She was in a near fatal car accident that ultimately caused for an early retirement. However, with every ending there is a new beginning.  
Kayla would spend the last part of her life doing exactly what she had always wanted. Spending time with family and travelling. These were by far her two most favorite things. Douglas and his wife Hillary provided her the first of five grandchildren, Linkin Douglas Hall. This was followed by Piper Lee Hall their second child, then Trey Philo Hall their third child. Anthony and his wife Hannah would also make Kayla a grandmother a fourth time with his first son Philo Jameson Carter. In keeping with a non-traditional family, she was also known as the grandmother to Teagan Avery Christlieb, the daughter of her nephew Sean Christlieb and Rose Bills. Finally, Kayla would call Wyatt Ray Thomas, son of Amanda Marie Thomas, a grandson as well. Amanda and Malynda were best friends in high school. Amanda found much comfort and guidance from Kayla, especially after becoming a mother of her own. This would make six grandchildren and eight children in total. This doesn’t include the many friends of hers and her children’s that were a constant flow in and out of her home. It must also be mentioned that her relationship with her sister Brenda Edwards was a true example of sisterhood and strength. 
Her many travels would include France, Spain, Italy, Cozumel, Panama, Alaska, Seattle, The Caribbean, Israel, Mexico, Mississippi, New York, Las Vegas, North Carolina, Tennessee, New Orleans. One of her greatest asks of her family, after she passed, is to spread her ashes all over the planet in all her favorite places. Unfortunately, it would be illegal to accommodate this request. Yet the family already has plans in the works to carry on her legacy by visiting these places including the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. Her favorite ride being Splash Mountain. 
It is no secret that Dr. Kayla Carter was met with more than her share of obstacles. Her life is an example of perseverance over every mountain she found herself at the bottom of. She loved learning and had a curious mind. Her dedication to her family, her community, her career, and also herself, will provide many lessons to those that bore witness. Her definition of family was not of anything traditional. Instead it was defined by the one thing she gave to so many people and in return she received from so many, and that is love. Love is the only answer, it is a daily practice; a conscious effort to rise and attempt to make the world better today than it was yesterday. We all know that this world is truly better, if not excellent, because of the love and the legacy left by Dr. Kayla Christlieb Carter. 
Kayla’s celebration of life will be on Saturday August 11th from 4pm-10pm at The Fruit Packing Shed inside Saguaro Ranch Park. A reception will be held from 4pm-6pm. From 630pm-10pm there will be live music, dancing, and singing. Food, wine, and beer will be hosted by her family.