Mary Edith (Berry) Welch, 80, passed away on Sunday July 25, 2010 in a fire at the home of her daughter. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Jay Clyde Welch Jr. and her parents Henry and Edith (Reinhart) Berry.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Hansen, son Henry Jay Welch (Janet) and her grandchildren Patrick Hansen, Ali Welch, Katie, Gregory (Lori), Joshua, and Larry "Andrea" Williams, also eight great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Welch had spent the last three years living in South Carolina, exploring her extensive family history and meeting her relatives. She is a direct descendant of Crossroads Henry Berry, and Henry Berry Lowrie. In Evansville, her parents owned Berry's Grocery at Edgar and Louisiana St., as well as Berry Building.

At the age of 13, she was the drum major of the Knight Township Band, a [1947] graduate of Bosse High School and Western College for Women, Miami, Ohio.

She retired as a supervisor at Vanderburgh County Welfare Department after 20 years, where she helped found the Albion Fellows Bacon Center. She was owner of SWONEE's Place selling figure skating, dance and hockey equipment. For many years she was Hospitality Lady at Thunder on the Ohio, providing over 1000 meals. She was a charter member of the local figure skating club, ticket lady for the USI Ice Eagles, PeeDee Geneology Assoc., and prospective DAR and UDC member.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, July 31, 2010, at Morningside Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8419 Newburgh Road with Rev. James Messer and Rev. John Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. It will be followed by a luncheon at the church. The family will also receive callers at the church following the luncheon until 5:00 p.m.
We wish to remember our dogs Otter and Winnie, who saved the lives of Susan and Patrick by alerting them to the fire. We will be eternally grateful to the Vanderburgh County Humane Society for rescuing the dogs who rescued us, to our neighbors and to the Evansville Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Morningside Cumberland Presbyterian Church or the Vanderburgh County Humane Society.

July 29, 2010
So sorry for your tragic loss. We came to know Mary and Henry at Swonees and remember she always had a smile and was always so helpful and kind. Our prayers are with Henry and entire the family.
Barb, Al & Nick Maldonado, Newburgh, Indiana

July 29, 2010
You are all in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
Deborah Behme, Evansville, Indiana

July 29, 2010
Susi and Henry, We are currently in Wy., but we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your Mother was a special lady and we will always have fond memories of her. We love you.
Vic and Pam Gallagher

July 29, 2010
Susan--I had the privilege of working with Mary in the early '70s in the Civic Center. She was fun-loving, witty and just a pleasure to be around. I'm sure Mary will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace, eternally...
Benjamin Willett, Buckner, Kentucky

July 29, 2010
Hay Sussie i am so sorry to hear about (mom) we will miss her deeply. If there is anything i can do for you let me Know. I know words ant enough but god bless you all including mom. My prayers are with you. She well be missed at thunder too. Joe + Becky Westerfield Sr., Chandler, Indiana

July 29, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Kelly Boyd, Cinnaminson, New Jersey

July 29, 2010
Susie & Patrick, My deepest sympathy to you both. Words can't express enough... only time and prayers will heal you. Cheri Baumberger

July 29, 2010
So sorry for your tragic loss. We came to know Mary and Henry at Swonees and remember she always had a smile and was always so helpful and kind. Our prayers are with Henry and entire the family.
Barb, Al & Nick Maldonado, Newburgh, Indiana

July 29, 2010
You are all in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
Deborah Behme, Evansville, Indiana

July 29, 2010
So very sorry for the loss of Dear Mary. Bless Otter & Winnie, too. May the Lord be with you all.

July 30, 2010
Susie & Henry- Sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a special person from our Swonder Ice Rink days. Her humor was contagious and she will never be forgotten.
Lois Scheessele

July 30, 2010
To the Welch Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was a very special lady and always a pleasure to be around. She will be deeply missed.
Tracey and Mark Kissel

July 30, 2010
Dear Susie my heart is deeply saddened by the passing of your mom and dogs. I will keep you and Patrick in my prayers. God loves you. Tammy Benton