Mom was peacefully called to Heaven from Hanna, IN, on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, at the age of 91.

 

Kathy is survived by her loving children: Rex (Vickey) Welch, Kurt (Jana) Welch, Evanna (Brian Marble) Stephenson & Andrea (Tim Mason) Upton; grandchildren: Jessica Stephenson, Brady Lyles, Vera Stanfield, Robb Stephenson, Hanna Rotundo, Courtney Upton, Cassidy Topete & Lucas Welch; great-grandchildren: Millie Welch, Ellie Upton & Genevieve Stephenson.

 

She is predeceased by her husband, Evan Welch; son, Zane Welch; and grandson, Joshua Welch.

 

Born in Vermillion County, Indiana to Gilbert & Bessie Mae Bailiff, she grew up on the farm. Later Kathy & Evan lived at Lake Guntersville, Alabama while he worked on the Rocket Program in Huntsville, Alabama. After retiring they returned to Hanna, Indiana, moving into Evan’s childhood home built by his father and mother, Homer & Bertha Welch, where she lived the last years of her life.

 

Kathy loved our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, and was an active member of English Lake Church for many years until her health began to fail. She found great pleasure in gardening & flowers, was involved in her community as a Girl Scout Leader, served as a Sunday School Teacher, & enjoyed a long ministry of love visiting the sick or elderly.

 

Over the years, Kathy and Evan always had an open home. With a joyful heart, they welcomed into their home many children, young people, adults, and families in need from the community & around the world... offering a place to stay for as long as needed. They were a wonderful blessing to our family & others and a witness to the Love that God has for each of us.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

 

Arrangements by Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte, Indiana.

 

Memorial donations may be sent to: English Lake Church PO Box 77, North Judson Indiana 46366-0077.

 

To light a virtual candle, share a favorite memory of Kathy’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.