Barbara A. Welch

Barbara “Barb” A. Welch, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in Sandusky, Ohio, at the age of 78. Born on June 24, 1947, in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, Barb was a cherished daughter of Harry and Disa Priddy. At the age of seven, she moved with the family to Ohio, where she would spend the remainder of her life building a legacy of kindness, faith, and service.

Barb graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1967. Early in her working life, while employed as a waitress, a serendipitous encounter with General Motors executives changed her path. After mentioning her desire to work for GM, her determination and work ethic led to a connection with the local UAW president, and she was soon hired. She went on to proudly work at the Sandusky GM plant for over 27 years.

Never one to rest, Barb pursued a counseling certificate from Zion Christian College, seeking to deepen her ability to serve others spiritually and emotionally. She was an active member of Port Clinton Bible Methodist Church, where she found great joy in participating in Bible studies, faith memorial groups, and volunteering weekly with the Kid’s Club.

A woman of deep compassion, she gave freely of her time and energy. Barb traveled to Nicaragua to help build a church, served at a local women’s shelter, and volunteered at the Soldiers and Sailors Home. She enjoyed sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren, decorating cakes with intricate flowers and appliqués, and always went out of her way to help others, never hesitating when someone was in need.

Barbara also cherished moments with her family and friends. She loved organizing “Girls Weekends” with cousins and aunts, making joyful memories on trips to Florida, Gatlinburg, Branson, MO, and regular visits to Amish Country. Her love for genealogy led her to travel throughout West Virginia with her cousin, gathering an extensive family history through libraries and municipal records.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Annette (Edward) Liphart and Mary (Tony) Carpenter; her treasured grandchildren, Johnathon (Christina), Jess (Cody), Briley, Harper, Stephanie (Brennan), Emmalie, and Schayde; and her great-granddaughter, Alexis. She is also survived by her siblings, Harriet Whitaker, Lonnie (Beverly) Priddy, and Arnold Priddy, She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Disa Priddy, and her brother-in-law, Slim Whitaker.

Services will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Port Clinton Bible Methodist Church, 147 Maple Street, Port Clinton. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with the funeral service following at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will take place on a later date at Buffalo Memorial Park in West Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s honor to the Victory Kitchen at Victory Temple, Inc in Sandusky, Ohio.

Barbara Welch lived a life full of grace, generosity, and unwavering faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.