Joan Irene Wells

With full hearts, we remember Joan Irene Wells, 86, who passed away peacefully on February 13th, 2026. Joan was born to John William (Bill) and Matilda Irene (Tilly) Buckelew in Blythe, California on January 19th, 1940. Joan loved her childhood growing up in Blythe with her older brother, Rudy, and younger sister, Mary Dee, with whom she was very close. She graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1957, attended Palo Verde Junior College and graduated from San Diego State University with a teaching degree in 1961. She enjoyed her years of being an elementary school teacher and substitute teacher for more than 20 years.

On June 23rd, 1961, she married her high school sweetheart, Albert (AL) Wells. They had their first date when they were 13 and 15 years old. Al was the love of her life. They had a full and adventurous life moving nine times in their first 10 years of marriage while Al served in the US Army. They enjoyed raising their family and traveling together later in life. They had 46 beautiful years of married life together until Al passed on June 12th of 2007.

Joan loved her family and friends dearly. "Find JOY every day" was a motto she exemplified. Her joyful spirit and optimism were contagious. She never missed an opportunity to share her faith in Jesus Christ. Joan enjoyed playing the piano, water skiing, knitting, teaching others to knit, playing Bridge, tennis, golf, gardening and being a devoted wife and mother.

Joan cherished her two beloved children: Allyson (Gerry) Hernblom and Mark (Gina) Wells, and took great joy in her seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Joan is survived by her sister, Mary Dee (Tom) Norris and sister-in-law, Char Buckelew.

Knowing Joan is in Heaven now reunited with Al brings comfort to all who miss them deeply. The family is having a private Celebration of Life gathering in Loveland, CO. Interment will take place on Thursday, April 9th in Blythe, CA at the Palo Verde Cemetery at 10:00am with a small gathering of family and friends. (Luncheon following).

If you would like to make a donation in Joan's memory, two of her favorite charities were St Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org) and Tunnel to Towers (t2t.org).