Welles Henderson

Welles Henderson passed away unexpectedly at her home in Davis, California, following a brief illness.

Welles was born and raised in Prineville, Oregon. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and later graduated from Oregon State University. During her college years, she was an active member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, where she formed lifelong friendships and met her beloved husband, Gerry of Bend, Oregon.

While Gerry served in the Navy, the couple welcomed their first child, David, in Hawaii. They later grew their family with the births of their son Gary in Berkeley, California, and their daughter Janet in Burlingame, California. In 1963, Welles and her family moved to Davis when her husband accepted a position as a landscape architect for the University of California, Davis. They shared 54 wonderful years of marriage before Gerry’s passing in 2006 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Welles dedicated many years of service to her community. She worked at the Davis Justice Court until her retirement in 1980. She was deeply involved in local activities, serving as a 4-H leader where she taught cooking and judged fairs. She was also a member of the Davis Library Museum, volunteered with the Sutter Hospital Auxiliary, and taught Sunday school at the Davis Community Church.

She was a devoted supporter of her family and community, attending countless 4-H events, sports games, concerts, and Mondavi Center performances. She especially enjoyed cheering on UC Davis basketball and football teams. Welles had a passion for collecting Christmas ornaments from her travels, a signature love of lipstick, and a warm sense of humor. She often joked that she didn’t have many friends left, as they had either “moved out or moved up,” a reflection of her wit and perspective on life.

Welles is survived by her sister, LaRae of Davis; her son Dave and his wife of Woodland; her son Gary and daughter Janet, both of Davis; and her cherished grandchildren, Claire, Gary Jr., and Melissa. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, a grandson, and her beloved Pekingese, Gucci.

The family kindly requests that memorial contributions in Welles’s name be made to UC Davis Women’s Basketball or Hospice.

A graveside service will be held on April 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Davis Cemetery, 820 Pole Line Road, Davis, California.

Welles will be remembered for her warmth, dedication to family and community, and her enduring sense of humor.