Karli Thomas

Karli Thomas
December 16, 1980 – September 12, 2026

Karli Thomas, 45, passed away on September 12, 2026, surrounded by her family and her dog, Lou. During her hospital stay, Karli was blessed with countless visitors who came to sit with her, love her, laugh with her, and say goodbye. This is a reflection of the love and connection she had spent her life giving to others.

Karli was unapologetically herself. She was the person who would make fun of you and cheer for you in the very same breath. She was funny, honest, fearless, and never afraid to say exactly what she thought. She loved to laugh and could turn almost any situation into a story that would have everyone laughing with her. She hated to lose, loved an adventure, and was always the first person to show up when someone needed help. She never judged; she simply showed up.

Karli loved her family fiercely. Her parents held a special place in her heart, and she was devoted to them. Granny Goose was her rock. They loved spending time together.

Her family was her greatest source of joy. Although she never had children of her own, Karli was much more than an aunt to her nieces and nephews, including her bonus nieces and nephews from Idaho. She helped raise them, supported them, encouraged them, and loved them as her own. She was their best friend, second mom, and biggest cheerleader. Whether it was school shopping, sporting events, teaching them to swim, spending a Sunday afternoon together, or being there through one of life’s hardest moments, Karli showed up. She had a way of making the people around her feel cared for and never alone. She gave freely of herself to her family and was always the person they could count on when they needed her most.

She loved her Sundays with Arya. At family gatherings, Karli could always be found with the kids, laughing and playing.

And then there was Russ, the love of Karli’s life.

Their love was one of a kind—a love filled with laughter, adventure, friendship, and just doing life together. They had so much fun, whether they were going to concerts, heading out for their Friday night movie, or simply dancing together in the kitchen. They found happiness in the everyday moments, and their love was something truly special. They were partners, best friends, and each other’s person. The memories they created together will remain a treasured part of Karli’s story.

Karli also loved her dogs and treated them as family.

Karli loved music and going to concerts. She was an avid runner in her twenties and competed in many marathons. She loved a good party, a good story, and making people laugh. She had a dramatic way of telling her version of a story that made you laugh out loud!

Karli loved the Lord and was never shy about sharing her faith. She lived her life on her own terms, loved the people around her with everything she had, and never pretended to be anyone other than Karli.

Karli was preceded in death by her beautiful sister, Rakel. While the pain of this loss is profound, there is comfort in their reunion. We can only imagine the laughter, stories, and the embrace of that moment.
Karli is survived by her parents, Vickie and Lenny Thomas; her brothers, Jed Thomas (Melissa) and Jake Thomas (Annie); and her nieces and nephews, Turner, Conner, Gracie, Kalder, Mya, Garrett, and Kody. She also leaves behind Russ, her partner and the love of her life, along with extended family and countless friends who will carry her memory with them.

She lived boldly, loved generously and left behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty and countless people who are better for having known her. If Karli had the last word, she would probably smile and say what she always said:
“Love you more.”
We will always love you more, Karli.

Memorial Service
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 9:30–10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

Both the viewing and memorial service will be held at:
Jenkins-Soffe South Valley
1007 W. South Jordan Parkway
South Jordan, Utah 84095

Following the memorial service, burial will take place at Riverton City Cemetery.