Velna Jean Messick Echols

Velna Jean Messick Echols, lovingly known as Grandma Echols by many relatives and friends, passed away peacefully at home in Payson, Utah, on April 6, 2026. She was born on February 8, 1936, in Price, Utah, to Eldon Messick and Inez Messick.

Jean was raised in Utah as the eldest of seven children and grew up helping care for her six younger brothers during the years following the Great Depression. She attended Brigham Young University, where she met Clyde Gordon Echols. They were married on September 4, 1957, in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jean was the devoted mother of four children: Lanita (Steve) Adams, Scott (Jackie) Echols, Grant (Theresa) Echols, and Kyle (Rachel) Echols. She lived most of her adult life in Utah, including Orem and later Payson, where she remained close to family.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jean served faithfully in many callings and especially cherished her years as a Primary pianist. Music was a constant joy in her life, and her quiet faith was reflected in steady service to others. She worked in social services in her early adult years and later owned a housecleaning business. She also worked part time as a lunch worker at Orem High School.

Jean is survived by her brothers Don Messick, Clark (Jeannie) Messick, and Bryan (Marcia) Messick, and was preceded in death by her brothers Perry, Loren, and Larry Messick. She is also survived by 4 children, 30 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandbabies.

We wouldn’t feel complete without taking a moment to express our gratitude to those who made Jean’s final days more comfortable and filled with kindness. Her aide and dear friend, Shelly, spent countless hours at her side, offering both care and companionship. We are also deeply thankful to the Bristol Hospice team, including her aide Jody, her physical therapist Theron, and her wound care physician Paul. The entire Bristol office team went above and beyond to support our family, helping ensure Jean’s comfort and bringing us peace of mind during a tender time.

Jean will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her steady faith in Jesus Christ, and the enduring influence of her love across generations.

An evening viewing will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 5237 West 10400 South, Payson, Utah, with an additional viewing held Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Hills in Provo, Utah.

Condolences can be expressed to the family on this page.