Joyce M. (Carrier) Welch

Joyce Marie (Carrier) Welch was born in Valentine, NE to Harley and Charlotte (Emmons) Carrier on August 17, 1944. She passed away peacefully in Bassett, NE on February 13, 2025, at the age of 80. She spent her early years growing up in Valentine with her nine siblings.

On September 30, 1962, she married the love of her life, Harlin D. Welch. To this union, four children were born: DeLonna, Lori, Denise, and Harlin. In 1967, they moved to Ainsworth, NE when Harlin accepted a position at the Ainsworth Irrigation District. Joyce was a homemaker, and her family always came first. She was involved in the community and several organizations. She enjoyed following her children’s sporting events and other activities. She loved going to coffee club with her friends, attending bridge club, hosting pitch club, and playing darts at the Meadville General Store. Dancing with Harlin was always a highlight for them, especially to Johnny Cash music.

In 2002 Joyce and Harlin moved to their dream home on the Niobrara River near Meadville, NE. Joyce and Harlin ran the Meadville general store for many years. They enjoyed hosting gatherings with their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. They resided in Meadville until moving to Cottonwood Villa Assisted Living in 2021. Joyce remained there until February 2024 when her health deteriorated. She then moved to Rock County Hospital Long Term Care in Bassett, where she remained until her passing.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Harlin; her parents; infant daughter (Lori); infant grandchildren (Stephanie and Mitchell); and nine siblings.

Survivors cherishing her memory include her three children: DeLonna (Jim) Costello and Denise (Mark Swenson) Young all of Pierre, SD, and Harlin (Kara) Welch of Ainsworth; grandchildren: Jimmy (Lindsey), Breanna, Mark, Jordan, Brooklyn (Matthew), Zachary, and Madison (Jonathan); great-grandchildren: Logan, Celia, Thea, Ivey, Nora, and Jules; sister-in-law, Jackie Smith of Urbana, MO; brother-in-law, Garry (Donna) Welch of Federal Way, WA; Mike Young of Valentine, NE; along with nieces, nephews and other family members. 

Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Ainsworth United Methodist Church with Reverend Michael W. Eurit officiating. The Elvis Presley CD Selections played were “In The Garden,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace.” Special remarks were given by DeLonna Costello, Jimmy Costello and Breanna Messereole. Inurnment preceded the memorial service in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Memorials were suggested to the family in Joyce’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of the arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.