Briella Grace Welch

Briella Grace Welch, 12, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, February 6, 2023.

Visitation will be at Central Church, Sioux Falls on Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 3:00-6:00pm. Family will be present in Grand Central. Viewing of Briella’s body will be in the sanctuary for those that desire.

A private family burial will take place Friday morning before her service at Pleasant View Cemetery in Harrisburg.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Central Church, Sioux Falls on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 1:30pm. There will be food and fellowship following Briella’s Celebration of Life service. Feel free to dress casual as Briella was not one for dressing up.

Briella Grace Welch was born in Buffalo, MN on October 20, 2010. Briella lived in Minnesota until our move to Sioux Falls in the summer of 2020.   On February 6, 2023, Briella was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus.

Briella was diagnosed with a DIPG brain tumor on November 12, 2022. She fought hard for just over 12 weeks; 12 weeks, one week for each year of her life. She was incredibly strong and rarely complained during the 12 weeks.

Briella was a blessing to all who knew her. She was known for her big heart, sense of humor, and determination. Briella loved her family deeply. She looked up to her older siblings and couldn’t wait for the time when the whole family was together. Family movie nights and game nights were among her favorite things to do.

Briella loved Jesus, gymnastics, and art. Most of her days were filled doing gymnastics. She often said if she wasn’t doing gymnastics, she was thinking about it. Briella dreamed of being an Olympic gymnast and she definitely had the determination to get her there. Briella started gymnastics in the fall of 2019.   After our move to Sioux Falls she joined Wings Gymnastics Academy. Wings quickly became her second family. This season Briella would have competed as an Excel Gold gymnast.

Briella was an artist.  She decorated her room with her art and she loved making special gifts for others.  She was always thinking and planning for the next holiday or gift giving event.

Briella had a quiet but strong relationship with Jesus. In looking at her “wall of fame” in her room, you would find scripture and quotes about Jesus. Briella was baptized in believer’s baptism the summer of 2020. That day she shared her testimony and favorite verse. 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” This was truly how Briella lived her life…depending on Jesus.

Briella was a friend to all and she loved her closest friends with fierce loyalty. She impacted so many with her love and kindness. To her teammates, friends, and classmates: know that she was devoted to you—and you were loved.

Briella was preceded in death by her siblings who we’ve never met, born into heaven. She is survived by her parents, James and Jodi Welch; her siblings, Cody (and his wife Hope), Jaden and Dawson; her grandparents Stuart and Betty Fleming, and Ray and Sandy Welch; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and many, many friends.

In lieu of flowers, kindly direct to her memorial for scholarships for gymnastics.  www.Briellasstory.com

Briella’s Celebration of Life will be live streamed. You can participate virtually by going to Briella Celebration of Life (resi.io).