Mary Baker Welch, age 90, died on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023.  She was born October 25th,1932 in Zanesville, Ohio to Dean M. and Mary Patterson Baker.  Mary graduated from Willis High School in Delaware, Ohio, attended Ohio State University and completed courses at Purdue University.

 

On August 11th, 1951, in Delaware, Ohio, she married Donald A. Welch who preceded her in death on February 26th, 2012.  Mary is survived by her children: daughters Jacqueline L. Snuttjer of Chicago, IL and Sheryl A, (Thomas) Swaney of Port Charlotte, FL, and son, Scott A (Lisa) Welch of McCordsville.  Also surviving are six grandchildren, Katie (Matthew) Jumper of Cincinnati, Ohio, Kristine (Vincent) McAllister of Seattle, WA, Joshua (Andrea) Nelson of Elkhart, IN, Jonna (Greg) Foos of Port Charlotte, FL, Alison Welch of Greensboro, NC and Emilie Welch of Lafayette, IN; as well as 15 great-grandchildren.

 

Mary was employed by the Whirlpool Corporation for 29 years with service in the materials, payroll, and human resource departments.  She ultimately retired from the purchasing department as a buyer.

 

Mary was a longtime member of the La Porte First United Methodist, a member of its Wesley Ann Circle and had served as its co-leader and secretary in past years.  She was a member of the church’s Newcomers’ Committee for many years. Mary especially enjoyed volunteering in the church office. She had sung in the choir, played in the Alpha Hand Bell Choir, served on other committees, and taught Sunday School in past years. 

 

Mary was a very active volunteer with several organizations including the La Porte Hospital Foundation. La Porte Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Lion’s alert, and was a strong supporter of the American Red Cross Blood Bank.

 

Mary dearly loved and was very proud of her family.  Her favorite times were with them and her friends.  Some of her fondest memories were of the vacation weeks at several different lakes with the whole family   Fun, too, were the weeks that the grandchildren and their friends came to the Welch Welcome Inn for a time of swimming, shopping and, best of all, the rides in Grampy’s golf cart. 

 

She often spoke of how very blessed she was to have so many people in her life to love and whom she felt loved her.  She was known for her sense of humor and her hearty laugh (often at herself) and warm hugs.

 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15th, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Ave., La Porte with Pastor Evan Lash officiating.

 

Friends may celebrate Mary’s life and visit with her family in the Church Parlor from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church.  A coffee and dessert gathering will follow the service in the Friendship Hall of the church.  Cremation has taken place and a private inurnment service will be held at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350.                                

 

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.