JoElla Blackburn Welch

JoElla Blackburn Welch was reunited with her sons, Francis Arlin Welch, and Frank David Welch on June 17, 2026. JoElla was born on May 30, 1937, to Joseph Heber Blackburn and Mary Lorena Powell Blackburn, the second of five children.

JoElla and Frank married in the summer of 1962 on June 21st. They were obvious soulmates and adored each other every day. They raised two rambunctious boys with love and patience, and helped look after younger siblings, and grandchildren throughout the years. Known for her kind demeanor and loving nature, she “adopted” many grandchildren, as everyone called her Grandma Jo.

JoElla is survived by her doting husband, Frank Welch; siblings, Karl Blackburn (Lorene), and Vera Kramer (Kim); her daughter-in-law, Julie Welch (David); grandchildren, Zara Anne Morse (Michael), Reda Aileen Gonzalez (Daniel), Jessica Welch Downing; and Francis Arlin Welch, Jr. (Cassandra); great-grandchildren, Daniel Gonzalez, Jr. (Ethan), Ana Gonzalez (Jennifer), Juliana Gonzalez (Glenn), Ariel Bahe, Isaiah Gonzalez (Lizbet), Alexis (Lecci) Downing, Chynna Welch, Alexander Gonzalez, Aiden Rainier Welch, Melialani Morse, McKenzie Downing, Tanner Myers, Elias Welch, JoElla Gonzalez, Michael Morse, Jr., Mason Welch, and Sally Morse; three great-great-grandchildren, Gregory Barrientos, Lisa Gonzalez, and Frank Gonzalez; and several other loved family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary, and her father, Heber; her siblings, Edith Ann Campbell, and Lorena Blackburn; and her children, Francis Arlin Welch, Sr, and Frank David Welch.

Grandma Jo will be missed every day by everyone that knew her. Stories of her kind, loving, generous actions will be shared for years to come, and her spirit will live on for an eternity. Sleep well, Grandma Jo. We love you.

Funeral arrangements include a viewing that will be held at Larkin Mortuary located at 260 East South Temple, on June 25th at 6:00 pm and funeral services that will be held on June 26th at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3970 South 5200 West.

Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89316250911