(Lila) Natalie Welchoff Van Wagoner

(Lila) Natalie Welchoff Van Wagoner, a woman whose life was a testament to kindness, service, and unwavering dedication to the Lord, Jesus Christ and her loved ones, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, at her home. Natalie was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Dee Van Wagoner and granddaughter Melanie Jane Van Wagoner, and survived by her daughter, Stacey Lucille Van Wagoner Ward Brumfield (Barry) and her son, Mark Arlen Van Wagoner (Bonnie Hale); grandchildren: Mark Campbell (Kim), Holly Salt (Ken), Paul (Danika), Megan Ward, Eric (Ana), Mitchell (Christine) and great-grandchildren: Michael, Lexi, Alison, Emma, Benjamin, William and Mia and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends and extended family.

The daughter of Alice Lucille Day and Fred R Welchoff, Natalie was born in Hayward, California June 22, 1936. Natalie was also preceded in death by her parents and her older brothers, (Fred) Day Welchoff, and Reed Day Welchoff.

Natalie was daddy’s little girl. She graduated from Hayward High School 1954, Hayward, CA. She briefly attended BYU before meeting the man of her dreams, Mark. They met at a dance in Oakland, CA and were eternally sealed as husband and wife, equal partners and best friends, in the Salt Lake Temple, February 14, 1956. They had planned to be married on the 13th of February, however, at that time, President Lincoln’s birthday was Sunday February 12, which made the 13, Monday, a legal holiday. Natalie’s Aunt Jeannette “knew” a few people in Salt Lake City, and contacted a judge who arranged for the marriage license, so they could be married the next day, Valentine’s Day.

Mom and Dad loved each other deeply and stood by each other’s side. Mom did not complain about the many hours Dad was away serving the Lord in his many church callings. Mom and Dad taught us the power of accepting church callings and service. Mom taught Stacey the deep love of Relief Society. Natalie served in all auxiliaries of the Church with faithful and loving service.

Mom had an artistic and creative side that few knew about. She sewed many articles of clothing, learned tole painting, crafts, crochet, knitting, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting, and more. She donated many pieces to humanitarian groups.

Mom loved to sing and always performed with church choirs. She was a member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers and served in many leadership roles. Her love for her pioneer heritage was great and felt by those around her.

Natalie was a mother, wife, grandmother, sister, friend, and above all a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. She would want all who are reading this to know she had a deep and abiding belief in a loving and merciful Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. This is the truth by which she lived her life and which most deeply remains with us after her death.

Natalie will be profoundly missed. But the impact of her love and legacy will resonate forever in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 4, 2024, at 1:30pm at the Sun River 1st ward LDS chapel 4461 S. Country Club Drive, St. George, UT 84790. The viewing will be from 12:00-1:15pm prior to services. Interment will be in the Tonaquint Cemetery 1777 S. Dixie Dr. St. George, UT 84770.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fund of your choice.

Livestream may be viewed at the link below.