Joyce Evelyn (Munro) Welch

Joyce Evelyn (Munro) Welch was born June 26, 1934, in Harvey, Illinois to the late James and Esther (Brown) Munro. She left this earth on September 12, 2023, at the age of eighty-nine years, two months, and seventeen days. She spent part of her childhood in the Chicago area before moving to Licking, Missouri and then later to rural Dent County. Joyce attended school in rural Texas County until the tenth grade. She went to work at the International Shoe Factory where she met the love of her life John Welch (JC). They were united in marriage at the home of Rev James Blackwell on January 30, 1953. To this union of fifty-five years, she was the mother of three boys, Ken (Mary), Ed, and Larry (Kim). Joyce had many jobs in her life, factory worker at the shoe factory and later a clothing factory. After the factory closing Joyce took a job at Seville Care Center for a short time before Taking a job at the Salem Memorial District Hospital where she later retired. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, and trips to the lake with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wayne and Alma. She enjoyed traveling especially with her sister Bertha to Scottland to see where their father was born. She loved to sew, at one point going into business making dolls with Celest White but enjoyed the art of quilting most. But most importantly Joyce enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren. While Joyce was the mother of three the family only grew from there. She has fifteen grandchildren: Gary (Charish) Welch, Malissa (Thomas) Crewse, Erica Kelso, Brandon (Katie) Koller, J.C. (Sarah) Welch, Sonya (Kurt) Kirby, Monica (Tim) Smith, Rachel (AJ) Schafer, Eric (Sam) Welch, Brian (Myla) Welch, Kristy Welch, Mahala Hodge, Cassie (Levi) Oliver, Kelsey (Ty) Kelley and Kurtis Hodge; thirty-two great-grandchildren: Jennifer (Eric) Carter, Wyatt (Kaylee) Lundy, Ayden Kelso; Aryssa Smith, Clowy Grace Kunkle, Trystan (Amanda) Welch, Gwen Kirby, Maggie Kelso, Mason Koller, Kalyn Koller, Lexi Welch, David Smith, Molly Kirby, Collin Wells, J.J. Welch, Cody Lundy, Colby Welch, Louie Kelso, Jace Jeffers, Colton Smith, Waylon Smith, Sophia Kelso, Brylee Welch, Jaylee Welch, Jack Welch, Letty Kelley, Rowan Welch, Grayson Schafer, Grady Schafer, Eleanor Welch, Kinzley Oliver, and Avery Oliver; as well as five great-great-grandchildren, Lucas, Charlie, Oaklie, Violet, Scout, and one on the way. Joyce leaves her children and grandchildren behind to carry on the knowledge that she instilled in them over the years. She also leaves behind her brother James (Georgia) Munro of Georgia, special niece Joann (Bob) Anderson, special friend Eula Wilson, sister-in-law Irene Warner, and a host of other nieces and nephews. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband: John Calvin Welch; parents: James and Ester Munro; one sister: Bertha King; and daughter-in-law: Lisa Welch. Joyce will be greatly missed by all that knew her. Funeral Services for Joyce Evelyn (Munro) Welch were held Friday, September 15, 2023, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Doug Massie and Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating. Song selections played were “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace” Serving as Pallbearers were Eric Welch, Jay Welch, Brian Welch, Brandon Koller, David Smith, and Cody Lundy. Honorary Pallbearers were Ty Kelly and Kurt Kirby. Burial was in the Round Pond Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Joyce Evelyn (Munro) Welch

June 26, 1934 - September 12, 2023