Lona Mae Welsh passed away peacefully in her home on Oct. 16, 2016. She was 86 years old. Lona was born on April 1, 1930, to Reuben and Chloe Jensen of Peoa, Utah, where she lived until she graduated from South Summit High School. She married Donald Welsh and lived all over the United States during their 20 years in the military. Lona and Don retired from the Army in 1969, and moved to Alaska, to raise their family. They chose Anchorage, Alaska, to buy a home, and Lake Louise/Susitna to build a recreational cabin where the spent numerous days. Lona loved the outdoors, especially fishing or hunting with her family. Lona was loved by all who had the good fortune to meet her: even strangers got a smile or sometimes a conversation from her. She loved her gigantic collection of holiday decorations and was famous for "the House On Lake Otis and 80th" with the fantastic displays at Christmas time. She loved her Lord and worshiped at the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints all of her life. Her favorite pastimes included watching the wild birds and squirrels, spending time with her kids and grandkids and watching airplanes take off and land. She loved her pups like they were her own children. Her love of football, the NHRA, holidays and nature's four seasons were always present in the sweatshirts she wore. This immense loss will always be felt in the hearts and souls of this family, but her memory will be carried through for many generations to come. Lona was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Donald; and her sisters, Norene and Eleanor. She is survived by her children, Deeana, Robert, Mike and Shanna; her grandchildren, Jennifer and husband Chris, April, Amber and husband Brad and Melanie and husband Aaron; great-grandchildren, Devin and wife Sarah, Connor, Kaleb, Colton and Allison Mae; and great-great-grandchildren, Tyler, Olivia, Joshua and Anastasia. In lieu of flowers, donations for the family can be sent to: P.O. Box 244061, Anchorage, AK 99524-4061.