Clear and Windy, 41° F
(Dec. 13, 1926 – Aug. 29, 2011)
Kathleen Peterson Welch of Lovell left her beloved husband, family, friends, and community on Monday, Aug. 29, 2011. She was born Dec. 13, 1926 in Ephraim, Utah.
Her loving parents were Robert L. Peterson and Dareta C. Peterson. The young family moved to Cowley, where her father and uncle operated Big Wig Canning Co.
Kathleen married Scott M. Welch, on Sept. 4, 1945, in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She graduated from the University of Wyoming and helped support the couple’s goal of seeing Scott become a dentist. The couple then moved back to the Big Horn Basin and raised seven children and called Lovell home since 1954.
Her greatest accomplishment and greatest joy came from raising those seven children and their extended posterity. She was exceptionally proud of her children’s accomplishments in education, athletics, music, and their chosen professions.
While raising the family, Kathleen completed an advanced degree from Rocky Mountain College and taught music in Greybull. After teaching in the public school system, Kathleen continued to teach private vocal and piano lessons to many in the surrounding area. Kathleen was active in Lovell Women’s Club, helped produce and direct community musical productions, and developed a women’s ensemble known as “Rainbow” that performed for many years in the surrounding area. Kathleen served in many stake and ward positions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, many involving and using her great talent and love of music. Kathleen partnered with her devoted companion as Scott served on school, hospital, and golf boards for many years within the Lovell area and state, national, and international positions within dentistry. They would have celebrated 66 years of marriage on Sept. 4.
Kathleen and Scott greatly influenced their seven children, 33 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Scott, seven children, Chauna W. Bischoff of Lovell, Robert P. Welch (Dori) of Salt Lake City, Dr. Scott P. Welch of Lovell, Dr. Bradley P. Welch (Cindy) of Las Vegas, Dr. Greg P. Welch (Wendy) of Las Vegas, Dr. Barry P. Welch (Lori) of Cody, and Krystal W. Brown (Carl) of Houston; and her sister Ann Peterson Nicholls (Robert).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rob and Dareta, her sister Ruth Peterson Lewis Johnson, and two great-grandchildren, Keeyan Welch and Kyla Kynn Welch.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 3 in the Lovell Stake Center at 11 a.m., interment following at the Cowley Cemetery. A viewing will be held Friday, Sept. 2, from 6-8 p.m. at Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell and one hour prior to services at the church. Online condolences may be given at www.haskellfuneralhome.com.
