Crystal Gail Welch

After a too-short life filled with creativity and devoted commitment to those she loved, Crystal Welch passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021 from complications of breast cancer. Her wild spirit will live on in her daughters, and her memory will be celebrated by her many friends and family. Crystal grew up outside St. Louis, Missouri, spending her childhood romping around the woods behind her house with the family pets. The only time in her life she did not have an animal living with her was in the dorms at the University of Missouri – Columbia, where she earned a degree in English. In addition to her love of animals and literature, she was an accomplished musician – playing multiple instruments but mainly the banjo, an adventurous and skilled gardener, an avid genealogist and reader of history, and a talented fiber artist. She brought a passionate creativity to every endeavor she pursued, and had an innate ability to turn the spaces and objects around her into works of art. She could be feisty and profane while simultaneously being gentle and nurturing. The best thing about Crystal was her ferocious love and dedication to her family and friends. She shared deep connections with her maternal grandmother, her parents, and her niece. A large circle of friends developed around her through the force of her charisma, intelligence, sense of humor, and loyalty. After meeting Tim and becoming a mother, her life became even happier and more fulfilled. Though she had many jobs over the years, the one she was most excited about was being a mom to Nuala Elizabeth, Cliona Myrtle, and Keely Christine. Crystal Gail Welch will be missed every day – we will do our best to honor her memory by being a little wild, creating beautiful things, and fiercely loving the people around us. Crystal passed peacefully, surrounded by her closest friends and family, at Michigan Medicine Hospital. She was born on March 19, 1976 in St. Louis, Missouri to Gerald and Christine (Rowan) Welch. On December 21, 2007, she married Timothy Francis McCauley in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Crystal most recently worked at Plum Tree Yarn Shop as a fiber artist but she was, first and foremost, a loving wife, mother and daughter. Crystal is survived by Timothy, her husband of 14 years, her three daughters: Nuala Elizabeth McCauley, Cliona Myrtle McCauley, Keely Christine McCauley, and her mother, Christine Welch. She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Welch, and her grandparents, Myrtle (Mahurin) Rowan and Conrad Rowan. Funeral Services for Crystal Gail Welch were held Sunday, May 9, 2021 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating. Special memories were shared by Dawn, Joan, and Jacqueline. Special song played was “Take It Easy”. Serving as Pallbearers were her loving family and dear friends. Burial was in the Stone Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online condolences may be entered at wilsonmortuary.com

Crystal Gail Welch

March 19, 1976 - April 26, 2021