Dona Mae Welch

Dona Mae Welch, age 94, peacefully passed on to her new life with the Lord on Thursday January 12, 2017 while at home and with her loving children at her side. Dona Mae was born at her childhood home on September 14, 1922 to Henry W. Bergman and Bessie (Hennen) Bergman. She was united in marriage to Larry Welch on May 17, 1947 at Genoa Trinity United Methodist Church. Dona Mae and Larry made their life together in Genoa, enjoying 53 years together as husband and wife, working side-by-side on the family farm and orchard. Larry passed away November 1, 2000. A life-long resident of Genoa, Dona Mae was an enthusiastic Comet fan and, in 1940, became a third generation graduate of Genoa High School. On cool, crisp Friday evenings in the fall, Dona Mae could be found cheering the Comets on to gridiron victory along with her son Bill. She attended Stautzenberger Business College and found fulfilling employment at Toledo’s historic Babcock and Jamison dairies as secretary to the company president. However, work in Toledo was brief as she returned to the farm and orchard with Larry in what would become their lifes work. Dona Mae and Larry established both name and familiarity through the Welchs Orchard road-side market on Highway 51. Their variety of apples, award winning cider, peaches, sweet and sour cherries and huge pumpkins drew residents and travelers alike, making the fruit stand a local landmark. A key to the orchard’s success was the long and lasting relationships built by Dona Mae with her customers, many who came to know her as the “Apple Lady”. The orchard operated for 51 years and is still missed by many. In her later years, Dona Mae routinely visited the Genoa Care Center, delivering her signature Genoa Love Bears to friends and residents. Known for her kindness, Dona Mae especially cared for those facing hard times or disadvantage, and could often be found welcoming those new to the church and neighborhood. With a quiet humbleness, she demonstrated her kindness by example and not by broadcast. Most important to Dona Mae was her life-long relationship with the Trinity United Methodist Church. Never one to miss a Sunday service, Dona Mae was Financial Secretary of the church for 70 years, co-chaired the annual fundraising church dinners, served on several committees and was active in the United Methodist Women. For such a sweet woman, there was a very competitive edge. Gathering with friends and family back in the day resulted in a lot of fun and loud laughter as they played cards, shared meals and enjoyed great friendships. More recently, her children and grand-kids knew better than to challenge Dona Mae to a game of Marbles, as she enjoyed nothing more than sending you back to home base. In addition to her husband, Larry and parents, Dona Mae is preceded in death by her brother Eldo Bergman and his wife Agnes (Tommie); nephew, Hank Bergman; and foster son, John Freeman. Many departed family and friends have made ready a place for Dona Mae and we anticipate a joyful reunion with the arrival of our dear Mother. Dona Mae is survived by her daughter Lois (John) Keil and their children Sean and Clare and by her son and constant champion, William and his children Sara and Samantha Welch and Zachary Noble; and great grandchildren David Noble, Jayson Noble, Lilah Nobel and Rhiley Noble. She is lovingly celebrated by her many nieces, nephews and extended family. She held each in a special place in her heart. We thank them for their visits, cards, and phone calls over the years. We would like to also thank Karen her caregiver and Nurse Sharifa, for their brief but caring attention. The family will receive family and friends on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 2 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm. at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa Ohio. A funeral service celebrating the life of Dona Mae Welch will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11 am at Genoa Trinity United Methodist Church, 313 Main Street Genoa Ohio. Interment will be in the Clay Township Cemetery, Genoa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.