Betty Welch

Betty Welch passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 at her home at the age of 96. Betty, daughter of Percy and Helen (Patchell) Lowe was born on Feb. 11, 1917. Alone at the age of 8, she knew great poverty and adversity, but grew to live a rich and rewarding life. With great affection we called her the 'old warrior' for she was that, a warrior. She was united in marriage to Albert Maurice Welch on March 18, 1938. After raising her family, she was employed at Flambeau Plastics. She enjoyed the friendships she made while working there. She also worked for many years as a volunteer at the hospital in the auxiliary shop. After retirement and the loss of her husband, she loved to get on the bus with fellow AARP travelers and see all she could, from Alaska to the Florida Keys. She saw 49 of the 50 states, and had a salt and pepper shaker to prove it!Betty is survived by her children, John (Jan) Welch of Wichita, Kansas, Robert (Mary) Welch of Wisconsin Dells, Mary (Tim) Barnard of Bozeman, Montana, Patrick Welch of Mooresville, North Carolina; grandchildren, Alison (Patrick) Midden, Michael Welch, Tracey (Justin) Buck, Terry Welch, Kellie (Keith) Churchill, Randal (Becky) Benson, Jameson Patrick 'J.P.' Welch, Jessica (Taylor) Hubard, Kevin (Cari) Benson, Brandon Graham, Emily Koehn, John (Shannon) Barnard, Catherine (Nate) Good, Shanon (Matt) Engel, Britt Barnard; she is further survived by her great-grandchildren, Annabell and Daniel Midden, Bailey Welch, Natalie Buck, Kaitlin, Clint and Carson Hewitt, Katie, Aaron and Wren Benson, Pierce, Phineas and Dessie Koehn, Elizabeth and Darby Good, Harrison Engel, T. Hunter Barnard and Lauren Hubard; son-in-law, Maynard Benson; as well as other relatives and friends.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert; an infant brother, Robert; daughter, Nancy Benson and a grandson, Nicholas Midden.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Health United Hospice. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff from Home Health United Hospice and Bright Star. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.