Stella Mae Welcher

Stella Mae Welcher, age 81, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on December 17, 2025. She was born on November 11, 1944, and made her home in Durango, Colorado, then moved to Grand Junction to be near her daughter and for health reasons.

Stella was preceded in death by her father, Boas John Vedstead; her mother, Dema Mae Munn; her brother, Bob Vedstead; and sister, Linda Cody.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Sheri Higgins; Clint and Stephanie Higgins; and Keith and Regina Higgins. She was a devoted grandmother to Megan and Zach; Jessie and Kristin; Zachri and Dakota; and proud great grandmother to several great-grandchildren, each of whom she treasured deeply.

Stella dedicated her professional life to nurturing young hearts and minds as a kindergarten teacher at Riverview Elementary School in Durango, where her patience, kindness, and gentle spirit left a lasting impact on countless students and families. Her life was testimony of her strong relationship with Christ, which guided her in all she did.

She found joy in quilting, reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors, and she faithfully served her community with a generous heart. Stella’s faith, compassion, and love for others were evident in her daily life, and she will be remembered as a woman who lived to serve God and those around her.

A celebration of life service will be held on January 17th at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Durango.

Though she will be deeply missed, Stella’s family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace, rejoicing in eternal life through Christ.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in Stella’s name to Christ the King Lutheran Church or Wycliff Bible Translators.