WELCH, WILMA ILENE, age 86, of St. Louis, formerly of Blanchard, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at her home with her family by her side.
Funeral Services for Wilma will take place on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Community Church with Patti Hicks officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 4, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the church and on the day of the service beginning at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Gratiot Commission on Aging or Mid-Michigan Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Wilma was born in Isabella County, Michigan, on February 23, 1934, the daughter of Mark and Julia (Heatherington) Young. She married Bruce James Welch on May 23, 1953. After 63 years of marriage, Bruce preceded her in death on December 19, 2016. Wilma and Bruce enjoyed many winters in Florida with their travel trailer along with her twin sister Zelma and Bob Nestle. They also loved playing cards. Above all, Wilma loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always there to cheer them on in their sporting activities. In the past, she liked crafting, sewing, and flower gardening. Most recently, she loved to read and do word search puzzles.
Wilma is survived by her children: Gary Welch of Mt. Pleasant, Vicky (David) Kauffman of Blanchard, Julie (Kristin) Lyon-Welch of Coldwater; 10 grandchildren Jamie, Casey, Corey, Dena, Daniel, Beth, Raegan, Ashtin, Curtis, and Ethan; 12 great-grandchildren Makaila, Gavin, Bailey, Garin, Jackson, Laytton, Nolan, Hunter, Gavin, Garrett, Oaklee, and Revie; sisters Shirley Austin of St. Louis, Virgie (Terry) Hansen of Wisconsin; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Larry; sisters Eileen Shaver and Zelma Nestle; brothers-in-law Jack Austin, Bob Nestle, and Ronald Shaver.