Jill Charlotte Johnson Welch was born June 14, 1953 in Minneapolis, MN to Russell B Johnson and Betty Sather Johnson. She passed away on September 16, 2021, in Salt Lake City, UT. Jill was a current resident of Las Vegas, NV.
Prior to marrying Jack R. Welch, the love of her life, Jill was the first female stock trader in the Twin Cities. She later moved to Seattle where she was employed by Foster and Marshall. It was there, while riding a bus, that she met a handsome blue-eyed bachelor named Jack and so began their love story !
Jill had a sweet personality and a heart filled with unconditional love for her family and animals. She served as a docent at Hogle Zoo, and all who knew her are aware that her pets were members of her family and dearly loved. Active in community service, Jill also served as a volunteer hospice worker, and was truly anxious to help in community projects. She joyfully served as a volunteer for the 2002 Olympics.
Jill was a Certified Chef with the American Culinary Association and a member of the ACF Beehive Chefs Chapter. She shared her talents at many events and for many years, including Soup and Art and the Chile Affair. Jill was incredibly gifted in the culinary arts and loved sharing this passion with family, friends, and coworkers alike. She would prepare someone’s favorite dish for them every single year, with a little different flare or ingredient, just because she could, and just because she loved that person dearly. And each year it was amazing and delicious. Jill leaves behind a legacy of love and service prepared as only a true chef could!
Jack and their daughter, Carly, have been Jill’s main caretakers and by her side every moment until the last few months. The family sends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Legacy Memory Care and Aspire Hospice Care. A special thank you goes out to Kim, her hospice nurse, who ensured that Jill’s final days and moments were comfortable and filled with kindness.
Jill is survived and loved by her husband Jack; her children Matthew C. (Tammy) Welch and Carly Welch (Taylor Bunot); sister-in-law Kaye (Jon) Johnson; and brother-in-law Brent (Liz) Welch. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Joy Kathleen Dybeck, and her in-laws, Raymond and Katherine Welch.
Jill had the ability to, quite literally, light up any room or space she occupied. Whether it was her dazzling smile, her incredible dimples, or just her spirit and sparkle, she would greet those she loved with a big, strong hug and quickly envelope them in happiness and laughter. Once Jill brought you into her world, she never let you go - that feeling of Jill’s warmth and exuberance will live in our hearts forever. We love you Jill.
Funeral services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary on Tuesday, September 28th at 2:00pm. A visitation will be held one hour prior on Tuesday at 1:00pm, and on Monday evening at the mortuary between 6:00-8:00pm.
