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Karla Anjanette Medlock
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Karla Anjanette Medlock who was welcomed into heaven on April 13, 2024. She was born Oct. 31, 1972, to Louis and Amanda (Trujillo) Villalobos in Phoenix, Arizona, where she grew up in a genuinely loving family and an amazing, close-knit extended family. She graduated from Maryvale High School in 1990. She married Michael Medlock (Superior High School Class of 1988) in 1991 in Glendale, Arizona. They lived in Pinetop, Arizona briefly until returning to the Valley in 1998.
Karla is survived by her parents; her sisters, Angela (Vince) Huizar, Raquel and Micaela (Robert) Grijalva; her husband, Michael Paul; son, Trevor Layvelle (Mara); and daughter, Leia Michelle.
Karla always explained how she felt fortunate to have become a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service where she had worked since September 2000. After the early years of building seniority, she settled into the Downtown Glendale, Arizona station where she built relationships with both colleagues and postal patrons on her route. Most recently, she took on collecting recyclable plastic and aluminum to gather funds for station celebrations.
Karla did more than just find God. She invited Him in, embraced Him, and with His guidance immersed herself into the women’s and children’s ministries at the Glendale, Arizona campus of Central Christian Church. She co-led an evening Lifegroup with Michael where she got to see God work in the lives and families of close friends. She was even part of the trained volunteer security team. Karla was never idle! She was constantly planning the next event, preparing to lead the next Bible study, and forever searching for her own next devotional.
Outside the church, her love focused on her family. Karla was happy to move back to Phoenix to be near her parents and sisters with whom she got to spend holidays and many, many weekends. Karla especially loved encouraging and watching her nieces and nephews grow. Karla adored and found joy in her children. She looked forward to her son’s marriage and loved spending time with her daughter Leia, and Leia’s wonderful boyfriend. She would joke that it was a good thing that she could spend time in the nursery at Central to be able to tide her over until she had grandchildren.
When they could get away, Karla and Michael enjoyed the most romantic and adventurous world-wide travels a couple could have, from New York City to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Bruges, Belgium. Karla and Michael created a full lifetime of love and adventure in their time on earth together. Their love for each other was undeniable!
Karla found joy in reading, comfort in music, and excitement in all things Star Wars. Mostly though, people will remember Karla for always being positive, encouraging, and inviting in a no-nonsense, Christ-focused manner. She loved God and loved introducing people to Jesus.
Karla embraced one of Central’s key themes to “Love Beyond.” Her impact on the lives of so many will endure in ways we are yet to see because she expressed her faith through actions matching a passage from one of her favorite books in the Bible: James 2:14-17. Karla’s light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.
Karla’s celebration of life was held Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Glendale campus of Central Christian Church. Flowers are welcome; however, if you prefer to honor Karla beyond flowers, please send donations on her behalf to Central Christian Church, 933 N. Lindsay Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213, and please note that you are donating on Karla Medlock’s behalf for Glendale Summer Camp scholarships.
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