Valla Denise LaBoa

Valla Denise LaBoa, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away from pancreatic cancer on May 26, 2025, at the age of 65. Valla touched the lives of many with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness.

Born to Albert and Beverly Wambolt on August 16, 1959, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Valla was the eldest of three daughters. From a young age, she embraced her role as a caring sister—often reading to her two younger sisters and letting them climb into her bed when they were scared. At six years old, Valla found herself in a real-life Brady Bunch scenario when her mother, Beverly, married her stepfather, Don, “who was busy with three boys of his own,” blending their families into one.

The six of them grew up in rural Wyoming, embarking on countless adventures together. One memorable night, Valla and her brothers decided to sleep on the roof, only to awaken the next morning covered in a blanket of snow. They also had a pet bobcat, affectionately named Bob.

After graduating from Glenrock High School, Valla moved to Salt Lake City to attend college. While working at Four Wheel Drive Engineering as a secretary, she met Kevin LaBoa, whose warm heart and generous spirit quickly caught her attention. They were married on September 20, 1986. They welcomed one daughter, Sarah, and the three of them became a tight-knit trio.

Throughout her life, Valla found joy in a variety of passions, including making jewelry, playing racquetball, traveling, engaging in family history work, and tending to her garden. Many cherished family memories were made on the Oregon Coast, where they reveled in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and enjoyed many game nights together.

In 2022, Valla retired from a long and dedicated career with the United States Postal Service. Retirement, however, did not slow her down. Always eager to learn and contribute, she soon earned her certification to work at H&R Block. Her strong work ethic quickly made her a valuable asset to the team.

In her later years, Valla wholeheartedly embraced her role as a grandmother to Everett and Tristan. She treasured every moment spent with them, often sharing in their hobbies—playing video games, chess, basketball, and soccer. She also enjoyed watching the NBA with her husband and son-in-law.

Valla was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in various callings throughout her life. She served a mission at the Family History Center, where she helped countless people and discovered many family names that had been lost. She excelled at research of all kinds and used this gift greatly in her family history work. She had a deep and abiding faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored gospel. Valla was always quick to extend grace and compassion to others, embodying the principles of love and understanding in all her relationships.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin LaBoa; her daughter, Sarah Tobler; her son-in-law, Jared Tobler; and her grandsons, Everett and Tristan Tobler. Valla is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Joleen Wambolt, Gary Evans, Randall Evans, and Todd Evans; as well as her brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Kent and Jody LaBoa, Cliff and Linda Gregory, and Jon and Michelle Hinton. She is also fondly remembered by her beloved nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Valla was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Don Evans; her sister, Deanne Hinton; and her precious grandson, Landon Tobler.

A visitation and viewing will be held on Friday evening, June 6, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 10:30 a.m. at 776 West Lighthouse Drive, Saratoga Springs, Utah. All are welcome.

The service will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend in person.

Interment will follow at Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.