Kristi Jo Wells

Kristi Jo Wells, 39, passed away on January 9, 2026, surrounded by more love than most people could dream of. Kristi was born September 5, 1986, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Christopher Wells and Penny Grande. She grew up in Rose Park and graduated from West High School ('04). Kristi was a mischievous little girl who loved exploring and was always looking for fun. From stuffing her dog in her backpack and taking it to school to filling the bathtub with the neighbor's award-winning flowers to painting the garage at her best friend's house, she certainly had a memorable childhood.

The greatest joy of Kristi's life was being a mother. Wesley was born in 2008. He was the family favorite, and everyone spoiled him. William (Liam), born in 2014, came out like a cannonball, with lots of energy and an infectious smile. Kristi finally found love with Aaron Frandsen. Aaron had a son, Cohen. Aaron and Kristi built a life and family full of love, laughter, and Star Wars. Kristi always dreamed of having a baby girl. Her and Aaron were thrilled when their blonde-haired, freckle-faced princess, Isabella (Izzy Jo) was born in 2016. Kristi and Aaron were married in 2017 only to have their time together cut short upon Aaron's passing in 2020.

Though Kristi loved life, she did not live an easy one. At the age of 31 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought hard and won. Her next battle came in 2020, when, less than a week before her husband died, she was diagnosed with leukemia. She fought the disease with every fiber in her body and proved that she was too strong and too stubborn to lose.

Kristi had a passion for all things Disney. Disneyland, sing-a-longs, princesses, puffy movie cases, superheroes, and, of course, Star Wars. She even had a tattoo with Mickey Mouse-shaped balloons dedicated to her kids. At a young age, Kristi's grandmother taught her how to crochet. This became a life-long hobby. She never went anywhere without a hook and yarn. Something that she found a love for more recently was cooking. This came from working in the kitchen at Maverik. She began trying new foods at home, often without a recipe, and enjoyed feeding anyone that would let her.

Kristi loved her family and was fiercely loyal. She was a people-person and could be friends with anyone, until they crossed her family. She would protect the ones she loved like a warrior. Kristi gave great hugs. She was thoughtful and always trying to lift people up when they were having a bad day, even when her life was hard.

Kristi is survived by her children, Wesley, Liam, and Izzy Jo, her parents Chris (Lu) Wells and Penny Grande (Scott Hemsley), a tribe of siblings: Amber (Jared) Nattress, Jessica (Sam) Sharp, Sara (John) Preston, Mayria Parmeter, Brittney (Dalton) Petersen, Grace Skeers, Trisha (Chris) Brown, Ryan (Chelsea) Walker, Josh (Wendi) Walker, along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Aaron, grandparents John & Jean Grande and Glen & Georgia Wells, and brother Keith Walker.

A viewing will be held for Kristi on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 6:00-8:00pm at Russon Mortuary located at 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, UT. The following day, Saturday, January 17, 2026, a graveside service will be held at 2:00pm at the Bountiful City Cemetery located at 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, UT 84010.

In lieu of flowers, donations to support Kristi's children would be appreciated to honor Kristi's legacy.