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As a guardian ad litem and a Utah juvenile court judge, Karla Staheli worked tirelessly to promote the best interests of children. And her efforts went beyond the job — she fostered two teenage boys who she later adopted.
Staheli's work on behalf of children is being cited as her legacy following her Aug. 14 death in St. George at age 61 from causes associated with early-onset and accelerated dementia.
Thomas Higbee, the presiding judge in 5th District Juvenile Court, said Staheli had a deep concern for children and tried to make sure the system operated to help them.
"She was a very good judge," Higbee said Friday.
Staheli was born April 11, 1954, to Karl and Carita Staheli. She graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in psychology and women's studies and earned her law degree from Brigham Young University.
After graduating, she worked as a deputy Iron County attorney for three years, then spent 15 years as the guardian ad litem in the 5th and 6th judicial districts, representing abused and neglected children in central and southern Utah courts.
In 2010, Gov. Gary Herbert named Staheli as a judge, making her the first woman appointed to the bench in the 5th District, which covers Beaver, Iron and Washington counties. The governor said she was uniquely qualified for the position.
Rick Davis, trial court executive for the 5th District, agreed with the assessment.
"She was highly qualified when she took the bench as a judge," Davis said. "Essentially, she hit the ground running."
Staheli was well-respected and pleasant to work with, according to Davis. She was effective not only because of her professional and educational background, but also because of her own experiences with foster kids, he said.
Because of that personal perspective, "she understood the issues she was involved in day-to-day," Davis said.
Staheli resigned from the bench effective Feb. 1, 2014, because of her illness. She is survived by her sons, three grandchildren, her mother, four brothers and 17 nieces and nephews.
She will be interred after funeral services on Aug. 28 in the family plot in Enterprise, close to her father, who died Jan. 14.
Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC