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Karla Rae (Hollifield) Tarbet

Jul. 6, 1956 - Feb. 18, 2026

Date of Service: Feb. 28, 2026

RUPERT – Karla Rae (Hollifield) Tarbet, age 69, of Rupert, passed away, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Karla was born on July 6, 1956, in Jerome, Idaho, to Gordon and Jean (Kistler) Hollifield. She grew up on the family farm, where she spent her days driving tractor and picking rock. Karla developed a lifelong love of sports and earned varsity letters in track and volleyball. After graduating from Jerome High School in 1974, she went on to attend Boise State University.

Karla married Wendell Dee Tarbet in the Logan Utah Temple on October 17, 1975. Karla and Dee were best friends and shared 24 wonderful years of marriage before Dee’s passing. Together they raised four children: Steven, Kyle, Kent, and Stacy. Karla was a devoted and loving mother who poured her heart into her family.

Karla dedicated many years of service to the Minidoka County School District. She began as a substitute teacher, later becoming an aide at Minico High School. With a deep passion for education, Karla worked diligently to put herself through college and earn her teaching degree. She concluded her career teaching science at West Minico Middle School. Karla truly loved her students—she challenged them, believed in them, and took great pride in their successes.

Family was at the center of Karla’s life, and she was especially proud of her grandchildren. She rarely missed a dance, piano recital, sporting event, or orchestra concert. Each summer, she hosted “Grandma Camp,” where she shared her love of crafts and science. Karla also enjoyed sports, especially watching the Olympics and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.

Karla was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved the gospel and faithfully served in many callings, with her favorites being youth Sunday School teacher and Primary music leader. Though she often joked that she wasn’t much of a singer, she found joy in teaching children the gospel through song. Karla also had a deep love for family history and temple work and spent countless hours finding names to take to the temple.

Karla is survived by her four children, Steven (Autumn) Tarbet, Kyle (Kale) Tarbet, Kent (Kenzey) Tarbet, and Stacy (Kolton) Woodbury; 13 grandchildren, Lizzy, Leslie, Justin, Tyler, Lindsey, Macy, Dallin, Paeton, Quinn, Luke, Riley, Tawny, and Trace; one brother, Jim (Nancy) Hollifield; and one sister, KayLynne (Jeff) Rolig. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dee; and her parents, Gordon and Jean Hollifield.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for their compassionate care during Karla’s final days.

The funeral will be held at 11a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Rupert 3rd Ward, located at 526 F. Street, in Rupert, with Bishop Braden Lake officiating. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7p.m. Friday, February, 27, 2026, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 East 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45a.m. Saturday, prior to the service at the church.

Condolences for Karla Rae (Hollifield) Tarbet

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From Mary Ann Shaff:

I worked in Karla’s room at West Minico. She loved working with the students there.

From MaryZarybnisky:

My condolences go out to the entire Tarbet family.

From Terry :

Karla and Dee are such a wonderful couple. After Dee’s passing she inspired us the way she carried on, got her degree and became an awesome teacher. What a wonderful lady. Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way Steve, Kyle, Kent and Stacy.

From Nancy (Last) Krahn:

Love and prayers to all of Karla’s family and friends. I have many great memories of high school fun with Karla in Jerome.

From JEANNIE NIX:

Karla was the grandmother that every grandmother should aspire to be. Her love and devotion to her family was evident in all she did. I will miss seeing her at the beginning of the parade route on the 4th of July, surrounded by grandkids.

From Morgan Parker:

God be with you till we meet again, Sis. Tarbet!
Sending love to my friends, the Tarbet kids...

From Margarete Seedall:

She was such a wonderful friend, especially to Jerry! They had such wonderful telephone talks about Scouting! I am sure they are having a fantastic talk up there in heaven.

From Marla Rasmussen :

Your mother was such a delightful lady. She was my visiting teacher along time ago. She was always thoughtful and kind and a great crafty person. She shared much joy. Im sorry for your loss. What a grand reunion.

From Maren Oppelt:

Karla substitute taught for me many times at Minico High School, and Steve was my student. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing; she was a fun and funny person to be around.

From Mary Ann Shaff:

I worked in Karla’s room at West Munico. She loved working with the students there.

From Evea:

I enjoyed working with Karla at West Minico. I know how much she will be missed.

From Joann Bessire:

Stacy so sorry to hear about your mom. Prayers for your family. Joann and Kelly Bessire.

From Carol Christensen:

I asked the Lord's blessing to be upon all of Karla's family. She was such a family-oriented person. She will be greatly missed by each and every one of them. She was a good friend to all those around her and served in many callings and not only served but loved her callings. Love and prayers.

From Jerry Hessler:

My condolences to Jim and Nancy and KayLynne along with Karla’s children and their families. Karla and I shared many hours on the school bus and in Jerome schools and laughed often. I know she will be missed by many.

From Heidi Robbins :

So sorry for your loss, what a special lady she was.

From Jim Miller:

So sad to hear of Karla’s passing. She was a great friend in high school and 4-H for many years. I remember doing more visiting than studying in Study Hall. Karla was an amazing friend to many and a great mentor to many kids. Will truly miss her laughter and smile.

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