“Each life that touches ours for good…” Those words, from the tender same-named hymn, describe the life our beautiful Rosella (Ella) Upp shared with us during her matchless 75 years here on Earth. She was born in Randolph, Utah, on Sept. 23, 1944, to parents she loved dearly. Ella was a motherly big sister to two brothers and three sisters, whom she much helped raise when her mother unexpectedly passed away when Ella was a teenager.
When Ella grew older, she married her sweetheart, Gregory Upp, on July 12, 1968; they gratefully solemnized their forever love in the Provo, Utah, Temple on May 7, 1980. By example, Ella taught her three beautiful children about the simple and lovely realities they could expect in life, as well as having taught them how to endure trying times. Ella completely loved all her grandchildren and always wanted to know the ins and outs of their life happenings; she especially enjoyed the humorous circumstances that often came up during any given week.
All the days of her life, Ella clung to a stalwart nature that gave her strength and compassion, which she speedily shared with everyone, regardless of their station in life. These endearing characteristics speak greatly of how grounded Ella was. She was completely and thoroughly true, from her unwavering friendship and love as a daughter, sister, niece, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend to her devout faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ella’s hallmark was cultivating relationships; more than anything, she enjoyed her ties to humanity and could drum up conversation with anyone. Ella loved. Every day, she loved. How grateful her family feels for being the beneficiaries of her selflessness, love, sacrifice, and fight. Ella was a woman without compare, and she will be missed until that blessed day when those she leaves behind will get to embrace her again.
Thank you, Mom, for touching our lives for good. We love you more than you will ever know.
Ella joined her heavenly loved ones on Thursday, Nov. 28; she reunited with her sweetheart, Greg; two sons, Marshall and Darell; parents, Blaine and Una; brother, Walter; and others who were excited to welcome her home.
Ella is survived by her children, Monique James (Billy), Alicia Koos (Shaun) and Kevin Upp (Marcy); grandchildren, Dustin, Shantelle (James), Amber, Alizabeth, Austin, Sydney, Braden, Caleb, Marshall, Mason and Maxwell; and siblings, Doug Marshall (Ada), Eva Russon (Neil), Cleone Lee (Kenny) and Valerie Bock (Tim).
Ella’s family would like to give a very special thanks to all the incredible and loving staff at Sagewood at Daybreak, as well as the very caring people at Canyon Hospice. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., with the funeral following at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Sagewood at Daybreak (11289 Oakmond Rd., South Jordan, Utah). Interment will be at the Granstville (Utah) City Cemetery.
