Obituary of Nancy L Welch

Nancy LouAnne (Webster) Welch, 85, passed away January 21, 2015 in Shelton, WA. Nancy was born in Selleck, WA, May 8, 1929, to Neal N. and Edythe M. (Grundy) Webster. She married Donald V. Welch, Cle Elum, WA, on April 18, 1946; he preceded her in death in 1999. Nancy worked for many years in the food service business as waitress/cook, first at Green Onion Restaurant in Seattle, then after moving the family to the Mason Lake area in 1965, she began working at Nita’s Koffee Shop, where she worked from 1968 – 1989, There she forged a lasting bond of friendship with owner/boss Nita Bariekman. Nancy was known for her ever present smile and her warm, hospitable service, that to this makes customers ask about her. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their Mason Lake home which was constantly a buzz with visitors, as she loved cooking and entertaining. She made everyone feel welcome and “at home,” she was the consummate hostess. She and Don loved to dance and they attended many of the social events sponsored by the Mason-Benson Clubhouse. Nancy was a member of the FOE #2555 Prineville, OR, VFW #709 Quartzsite, AZ, and Widow of a Charter Member of the BPOE #3862, Shelton, WA. After retirement, they moved to Prineville, OR and were snowbirds in Quartzsite, AZ where they enjoyed 4-wheeling and exploring the desert. She also enjoyed crocheting, cooking, bead working and made many beautiful sets of earrings and necklaces. After Don’s passing, Nancy continued her treks to Arizona and a special relationship with their friends Ann and Joe Graham developed into a partnership after Ann’s passing in 2003. Joe left us in April 2011. Nancy is survived by her son, Ronald B. (Karen) Welch of Puyallup; daughters Donna J. Angel of Prineville, OR, and Delores K. (Tom) Pearson of Shelton, grandchildren Sherry, Lisa, Tammy, Chris, Amy, Elizabeth, Melissa, Sara, and Brittany; numerous great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; son Richard, brothers Robert and Neal, sister Joan, and parents Neal and Edythe. At her request there will not be a service; the family plans a Celebration of Life get together at a later date. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to your local hospice or the charity of your choice.