- Visitation
Friday, August 12, 2011
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
Saturday, August 13th
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL
- Service
Saturday, August 13, 2011
10:00 a.m.
1st United Methodist Church
- Full Obituary
Grace Welch (nee Renner), 102, of Lebanon, IL, died Wednesday, August 10, 2011.
Beloved wife of the late Robert Welch, loving mother of Janet (William) Eckert, Linda (Peter) Vanstone, Dr. William (Barbara) Welch, and her daughter-in-law Cheryl Welch.
Preceded in death by sons Frederick and Paul Welch, and parents Dr. Frederick and Della (nee Midgley) Renner. Cherished “Mommy-2” to 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
Adored grandmother of Susan (James) Moore, Sarah (David) Martin, Elizabeth Clark, Margaret Welch, Mary Jane Hanrahan, Robert (Carrie) Welch, Peter Middaugh, Andrew Middaugh, Carrie Welch, Reed Welch, Alexander (Stephanie) Welch, and Charlotte Welch; Revered great-grandmother to Kevin (Whitney) Hanrahan; Justin Clark, Brendan Hanrahan, Jasmine Clark, Taylor Clark, Miranda Martin, Grace Moore, Renwick Martin, and Eliza Jane Martin. Devoted great-great grandmother of Riley Hanrahan.
The source of Grace’s strength was her abiding faith In God and her deep love for her family. First, as a mother of five, and then for the three generations that followed, Grace gently nurtured her progeny and encouraged each to follow their interests and passions. Always willing to lend an understanding ear, Grace’s love and loyalty never waivered.
A woman of many talents and interests, Grace was loved for her calm, gracious and welcoming demeanor. Born in Benld, IL in 1909, she was passionate about learning. A graduate of McKendree College, she earned her master’s degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, in 1932. Before marrying Bob in 1935, she taught school in Long point and Wood River, IL.
While raising her family, Grace returned to teaching and taught English at her alma mater, Lebanon High School. She then accepted a position at McKendree College (now University) as a drama and speech instructor and eventually served in a departmental leadership role. Not only did she inspire young people in the classroom, she motivated them (and audiences) on the stage as the director of several productions for the Looking Glass Playhouse in Lebanon.
An active member of the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon for more than 75 years, she was also a member of several professional organizations, including Pen Women, PEO, Delta Kappa Gamma, Eastern Star, Lebanon History Club, and a number of community groups.
As an avid reader, Grace held an abiding love for the written word. She wrote poetry and penned (and published) a number of short stories documenting her childhood and memories. Also an outstanding cook, she delighted many with wonderful recipes of her own, as well as those of her mother and grandmother.
Grace inspired many, and was loved by all.
VISITATION: Friday, August 12, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL and Saturday, August 13th from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the 1st United Methodist Church, with Rev. Peter J. Wehrly, Pastor and Rev. Donald Burroughs, officiating. Burial will be in the College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Il.
Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
