Obituaries

Nancy G. Welch

Photo of Nancy G. Welch
Nancy G. Welch, 73, of Booneville, Ark., passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Boston, Mass., surrounded by family. She was born on Jan. 1, 1945, to Robert and Marian Simonson (Shimmin) in Alliance, Neb. Her family lived on the Simonson Ranch in the Sandhills near Mullen, then moved to North Platte where she graduated high school in 1963. Despite being in the top of her class, her name was never called to receive her diploma. Nancy (Simonson) married Eric Welch on St. Patrick's Day 1964 whereafter the two lived an extraordinary life together, including raising four beautiful daughters - Kristine Winans (Roger Winans), Stephanie Welch, Heather Welch, and Hillary Welch Kleck (Jacob Kleck). She was lovingly known as Helga to her oldest grandson, Joshua Gatlin (Kimberly Mueller Gatlin), and as Gram to her grandchildren Christian, Madilyn, and Lucas. Nancy cherished her sisters, Milette Ramm and Maryanne Athnos, late brothers Paul and Gary, and friends of many, including her dearest, Ms. Ruby McKee. Nancy graduated with a Paralegal Degree from Westark Community College in 1994. Most recently, she enjoyed working at County Discount Pharmacy where her customers became friends, and her co-workers became family. Nancy was happiest at home, which she and Eric built in 1998, known to all as The Far Side, where she gardened, raised grapes, kept pets and honeybees, and baked bread. She enjoyed reading, solving NYT crossword puzzles, and playing the piano with her sweet darlin', Madilyn. Nancy loved cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Boston Red Sox. She kept everyone laughing with her acerbic wit and never stopped learning. She proclaimed herself as the Grammar Police for the local news stations and papers. She was most proud to call Arkansas, "Home." A private wake will be held in September to celebrate her beautiful life. Donations may be made in Nancy's memory to Perkins School for the Blind, 175 N. Beacon St., Watertown, Mass. 02472, or online: www.perkins.org/donate.

Published September 9, 2018

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