Joan Partridge Welch

Joan Partridge Welch, a loving wife and mother who dedicated her life to serving others, passed away
Wednesday, April 29, 2020, after an unexpected medical complication. She was 72.
Joan was born Feb. 26, 1948, in Powell, WY, to Dorsel Lynn Partridge and Betty Rae Partridge.
She attended college for two years in WY before moving to Provo, Utah, where she married Richard William Tebbs Welch on July 6, 1973. Their marriage was solemnized in the Provo LDS Temple. The couple’s life was devoted to their beautiful family of six children and 13 grandchildren.
Joan also loved her brothers, but she often recalled her overwhelming joy upon learning she would finally have a little sister. Joan lived with and helped her grandparents while attending college at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming.
She forwent graduation to return home to help her mother care for her brother, who had been in a serious accident. For more than 40 years, she worked with her husband to build and run Richard Welch Construction. They also traveled to beautiful tropical places and supported each other through all kinds of trials and hardships. They celebrated the birth of each of their children with joy and gratitude. A gentle and encouraging mother, she not only home schooled her children, but helped them pursue their interests and talents. She even served as administrator of the private school they attended for a time.
Her treasured moments were intimate family gatherings, when “Mom” got to laughing at the stories and antics of her children and grandchildren. Her joy was so contagious that soon everyone was laughing to the point of tears. Her favorite song for her children and grandchildren was, “I love you a bushel and a peck,” and whenever any of them was out of reach of that enviable hug, her heart ached to have them near again.
Joan’s time was spent developing skills and talents that allowed her to express her love for her children and grandchildren. Many books in her library illustrate her desire and effort to continue her education and to be a better wife and mother. A self-starter and self-educator, Joan was technically savvy because of her “can do” attitude. Spending much of her time sewing and quilting gifts for others, she always sought to improve upon the last project. Particularly at Christmas time, there was a near constant hum of the sewing machine as she would sew carefully selected gifts for her children and grandchildren. Only on rare occasions did she make a new dress or bag for herself.
Joan’s greatest attributes that underscored everything she did were her unconditional love, faith, and desire to make others feel a little braver, a little more capable, a little more courageous, and a little more loved. She served and cared for her family in a quiet and loving way, never needing fanfare, but exhibiting a quiet confidence that was dignified and exemplary.
She was eager to accept callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served as a Sunbeam teacher, Primary chorister, Primary secretary, compassionate service leader, Relief Society president and many other positions. She continually tried out new and creative ways to engage the people in her class, and she put a lot of thought and effort into her service. Her last project was sewing more than 100 medical masks for healthcare providers and for her dear family during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joan had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and shared her convictions with each of her children.
In her later years, Joan was the primary companion and caregiver to her dear mother, Betty. They spent many hours together laughing, reading and talking, often while Joan continued to sew a gift or a project for someone else. Joan’s example spoke volumes. She never lectured those over whom she had stewardship; all she had to do was give them a “look” that somehow said, “I know you’ve got it in you. Keep trying.” Her gentle and consistent love inspired in others a desire to be a little better and reach a little higher. All who had the privilege to know her will miss her, but her selfless acts of kindness will never be forgotten.
Joan was preceded in death by her father, Dorsel. She is survived her mother, Betty; husband, Richard; children: Aaron (Kristin) Welch, West Jordan, UT; Richard (Stephanie) Welch, West Point, UT; Adam (Kellie) Welch, El Paso, TX; Sylvia (Austin) Dalyai, Sandy, UT; Rebecca Welch, Midvale, UT, and Hillary (Mike) Vicchrilli, Draper, UT; 13 cherished grandchildren: brothers: Richard (Kathye) Partridge, Nampa, ID; Calvin Partridge, Wickenburg, AZ; Rodney (Cozette) Partridge,
Gillette, WY; Lance (Janeen) Partridge, West Jordan, UT; Jason (Deedee) Partridge, Eagle Mountain, UT, and sister, Annette Mora (Paul), South Salt Lake, UT.
A viewing will be held Thursday, May 7, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with a graveside service immediately following at 12:30 PM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery, 6500 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan, UT 84123. En lieu of flowers, donations to cover funeral/burial costs may be sent to the Joan Partridge Welch Memorial Fund, Utah Power Credit Union, 957 E. 6600 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84121.
Service Information
Viewing May 7, 2020 at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123





Graveside Service
May 7, 2020 at 12:30 PM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123