Shirley Mae Chandler Welch

Less than a month after her dear husband, our beautiful mom, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, and friend passed away due to advanced age. In her words:

Shirley Mae Chandler Welch was born on Dec. 10, 1926 in Ogden, Utah and died on September 15, 2021 reuniting with her husband Robert and many loved ones.

Shirley grew up in North Odgen in a large, happy family near many friends and relatives. She was the eighth child of Calvin Harris Chandler and Della Luella Shaw. After graduating from Weber High school in 1945 and Weber State College in 1947, she continued at Utah State University where she met her husband Robert Sorensen Welch. They graduated together in 1949. Married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 18, 1948, they then lived in Logan, Ogden, and finally for many years in Bountiful. They are parents to four children.

She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a counselor and then president of the Relief Society, in the Primary presidency, and as Junior Sunday School Coordinator, which was her favorite calling. For 25 years she served as a service missionary at the Church Museum of History and Art, being part of the very first docent group of 1983. She willingly shared her knowledge and love of the art there with everyone.

She was a founding member of the Triunis Literary Club and the Mueller Park Camp of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and enjoyed giving the lessons, proud of her pioneer heritage. She and Bob spent many happy hours playing Bridge, belonging to three bridge clubs for over 60 years.

Although her primary occupation was homemaker, she also taught seventh grade English in the Weber School District, worked at Beneficial Life, and worked as a travel agent for Faldmo Tours because she and Bob loved to travel and saw much of the world.
Shirley was the last surviving Chandler and Welch in-law. She is survived by her children: Robert (Luree) Welch, Richard (Kristie) Welch, Melinda Welch, and Elizabeth (Kelly) Sharp, and words cannot express the love she felt for her 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who meant the world to Aunt Shirley.

Funeral services will be held at the Bountiful East Stake Center, 650 E 2150 S, on Saturday, September 25th at 10:00 a.m. Viewings will be held on Friday, the 24th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, and on Saturday morning from 8:45-9:45am at the church prior to services. The funeral service will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page.