Jill Lynne Welt

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Jill Lynne Welt (Blocker), 76, of Lafayette, Colorado, on May 19, 2026. Jill was born on June 4, 1949, in Gary, Indiana, to Norma Dye Blocker and Howard Blocker.

Jill graduated from Munster High School and attended Indiana University and Northern Illinois University, where she earned her bachelor's degree. During those years, she often took the South Shore commuter train into Chicago to spend time at the Art Institute of Chicago, an experience that helped shape her lifelong appreciation for art, beauty, and exploration. She later attended the University of Colorado, earning a master's degree in Educational Psychological Studies.

Jill dedicated much of her career to serving others as a social worker with Boulder County Social Services, where she worked with foster children and helped train foster parents. In recognition of her impact, she received the Eddy Schoech Memorial Award in 1993 for "exceptional service to foster families." After retiring, Jill pursued a longtime dream of becoming a professional chef and earned a Culinary Arts degree from the Culinary School of the Rockies.

Jill will be remembered for her compassion, generosity, love of animals, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of humor. She had an eye for art and beauty, a deep spiritual curiosity, and an adventurous spirit. Her sense of humor stayed with her wherever she went, even once nearly getting kicked out of a ballet performance featuring Mikhail Baryshnikov because she couldn't stop giggling.

She traveled widely and embraced experiences fully, from visiting Egypt and China to hiking at Machu Picchu. She loved Sarasota, Florida, and Scottsdale, Arizona, but returned time and again to Boulder, Colorado, the only place she called home.

Boulder was where she raised her son, Noah, where she found peace hiking around Wonderland Lake, and where she shared countless walks and years of companionship with the beloved dogs she cherished throughout her life: Buckaroo, Lucy, Gracie, Bogart, Maggie, and, most recently, Belle.

To her grandchildren, Morgan and Opal, she was simply "Mimo"-a role she treasured deeply and filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

In addition to her parents, Jill was preceded in death by her brother, David Blocker.

She is survived by her son, Noah Ashenhurst; daughter-in-law, Natasha Morgan Ashenhurst; grandchildren, Morgan and Opal; brother, Mark Blocker; niece, Cameron Blocker; and nephew, David Blocker Jr.

At the family's request, no services will be held at this time. Jill will be honored at a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who knew and loved Jill to honor her memory by taking a walk, sharing a meal, visiting a place that inspires wonder, or spending time with someone-or some dog-they love.