Arza Carroll Evans peacefully passed away surrounded by family on August 14, 2025. He was born on December 25, 1934, in Bisbee, Arizona, to Oman and Helena Evans. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1958 and went on to earn a master's degree from Brigham Young University in 1960, marking the start of a life devoted to education, growth, and service.

On June 30, 1960, Arza married Karen Toynton, and together they raised four children: Sheri, Eric, Steven, and Todd. Though their paths later diverged, they remained connected through the love and responsibility they shared for their children.

On November 22, 1975, Arza married Mary Anne Wright Crosby in St. George, Utah. With Mary Anne, he welcomed Vinetta, Andy, and Doug, and together they raised all seven children in a loving blended home. With grace and cooperation, Arza and Mary Anne made an excellent team and joined Karen and Ron in many celebrations, making the children feel loved and honored by both sets of parents. They showed their children how blended families can thrive with kindness, respect, and devotion to one another.

Arza dedicated thirty years of his life as a professor of Economics at Dixie College (1967–1997). He was deeply admired by his students, and nearly everywhere he traveled he would run into former students eager to tell him how influential he had been in their lives, both academically and personally.

Beyond the classroom, Arza lived life with curiosity and passion. He loved to tool around town on his motorcycle, often with a helmeted child straddling the gas tank or holding on for dear life behind him. He was also a voracious reader who put miles of red underlining under the words of his favorite books. His love of words and ideas inspired him to author two books of his own, leaving a written legacy to match the one he built with family and students. He also loved a good joke and was known for his wonderful sense of humor, which lifted those around him and brought joy to family, friends, and even strangers.

Arza is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; his children: Sheri, Eric (Shannon), Steven (Christin), Vinetta, Andy (Kelly), Todd (Isabelle), and Doug (Kristen); 24 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Charles and was preceded in death by his siblings: Vera, John, and Dave; and by his grandson Colby.

Above all, Arza will be remembered for his incredible kindness, quick humor, and steady wisdom. His gentle heart, generous spirit, and thoughtful counsel shaped not only his family but also the countless lives he touched. His legacy of love and wisdom will live on in the stories, laughter, and lessons he left behind for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of life will be held on October 11, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the JC Snow Park Pavilion located at  275 East 900 South, St. George, Utah 84770.