Dorothy Jane Welch

Dorothy Jane Welch, 88, died at her home May 9, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Lee Welch, in 2017. They were married for 67 years. Dorothy was born in 1929 to Samuel Mileus and Viola Jane Johnson in Oklahoma City. She was the youngest of nine children. Dorothy and Richard met in 1948, when Dorothy was living at the Oklahoma YMCA and working as a long-distance telephone operator. They married in Yukon, Oklahoma in 1950, and enjoyed long lives of love and friendship. Dorothy and Richard lived in the Detroit area until 1953, when Richard completed his military service. They returned to Oklahoma to live and raise their family. Dorothy was a charter member of Disciples Christian Church. She loved working with children in the nursery there and was very active in the Christian Women’s Fellowship. Church members recall that they could always count on getting a visit from Dorothy when they were sick at home or the hospital. She was a dedicated caregiver and enjoyed helping members of the church as well as members of her large and extended family whenever there was a need. Dorothy enjoyed keeping in touch with her large family, and spent many summers visiting her siblings around the country. She and Richard enjoyed car trips as well as cruises. Church members recall that Dorothy seldom missed a Sunday and showed her creative flair by always wearing a colorful hat. Informed speculation as to the number of hats actually owned by “The Hat Lady” puts the number somewhere between 150 and 250. A talented baker, Dorothy created beautiful wedding cakes for many years in her kitchen. She enjoyed catering dinners, special events and especially weddings. She prided herself on going the extra mile to make sure that the weddings she catered were memorable events. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, eight brothers and sisters, infant Son Richard Lee Welch, Jr. and son Jeffery Alan Welch. Dorothy is survived by a vast and loving family, including Sam and wife Dena Welch of Wellston, OK, Cindy and husband Kevin Bennett of Bartlesville, and Gordon and wife Lisa of Bartlesville. Grandchildren include Rachel and husband William Flynn, Rebekah Welch, Adam Welch, Dane Bennett, Forrest Bennett, Grant Bennett, Spencer Welch, and Julie Welch and Saskia Hansen; great grandchildren Charlotte Flynn, Scarlett Hansen, Teegan Heater and Grace Heater. A funeral service will be held Sunday, May 20 at 5 pm at Disciples Christian Church, 5800 Douglas Lane in Bartlesville, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends make a donation to the church, or simply give someone a hug.

Dorothy Jane Welch

November 6, 1929 - May 9, 2018