Carol Joyce Sessions Welch

June 5, 1934 – Feb. 5, 2025

Jay’s sweetheart and loving mother Carol Joyce Sessions Welch, 90, of Lovell passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.

Carol was born at home in Byron to Marvin Cox and Sarepta Asay Sessions on June 5, 1934. She attended Lovell High School and then the University of Wyoming for one year.

Carol married the love of her life, Louis James “Jay” Tebbs Welch, on March 25, 1953. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City, Utah, Temple in 1957. They lived a full, laughter-filled life and were deeply in love. 

Actively involved in her church, Carol served various callings wherever she was asked to serve. She especially loved working with the youth of the church. Her testimony was very strong and an example to all.

Carol was very creative and artistic, which really came to light when she started painting. She learned several different painting techniques, and if one looks, they can be seen in her various pictures. Carol did an amazing job. Many beautiful paintings adorn not only her home but other homes, as well. For years Carol spent hours painting until her eyesight failed her. 

Driving by their home or visiting them, one could see Carol’s love of flowers – evidenced by the many beautiful flower gardens and the immaculate care they received. She loved being outside with her variety of flowers.

Carol and Jay were incredible dancers, many times becoming the center of attention on the dance floor. They were members of the Cowley Riding Club and enjoyed many exciting outings. Carol always looked forward to their annual hunting expeditions. They had many friends, enjoyed square dancing, playing cards and playing pranks on each other. Her kitchen was always open, and her home was a frequent resting place for anyone. 

Carol had a very loving and generous heart. She was always reaching out and touching the lives around her by serving and helping others. Carol led a very full life.

As a devoted mother and grandmother, there was nothing Carol loved more than being around her family. During her last days she was always telling people of her love and joy for her wonderful family. She was very supportive and enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in activities.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Sessions Welch; parents Marvin Cox and Sarepta Asay Sessions; granddaughter Wendy Forbush; and sisters Phyllis Pulver Wardall, Elaine Moncur, Beverly Strahan Brott and Susan Marshall.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Louis James “Jay” Tebbs Welch; daughter Debra (Craig) Forbush, sons Louis Gary Welch and Wendell (Heidi) Welch and  daughters Nancy Jo (Bert) Nazer, Tracey (Brad) Haskell and Terri (Dusty) Brosious; two grandchildren, Bradley (Julie) Welch and Bailey Welch, who they raised; nephew Jon Strahan; 23 grandchildren; and 42 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m. with visitation from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Lovell. Interment will be in the Cowley Cemetery.

The funeral will be available for watching on Facebook through the Haskell Funeral Home page.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that you please do a loving act of kindness and/or service in Carol’s memory.