Laura Ella Welch, 83, most recently of Waco, died peacefully at her home on Monday, July 4, 2016, with her family at her side.
Visitation: Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 9:00AM to 10:00AM at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco
Funeral Service: Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 10:00AM at Lake Shore Funeral Home, Waco
Burial: Waco Memorial Park, Robinson, Texas with pallbearers, Kirby Dendy, Travis Dendy, Simon DeLaCruz, Jerry Higginbotham, Shelby Vess and Hunter Vess.
Laura was born on February 18, 1933 in Palestine, Texas to the late Jim and Edith Higginbotham. Laura married the love of her life Don Welch on June 11, 1952 in Rice, Texas. They walked side by side on the journey of life for over 64 years. Laura worked for International Harvester as secretary to the service manager for 24 years. She then had the privilege to join the law firm of Hughes and Luce as legal secretary to Cliff Hutchinson, Esq. She eventually promoted to Records Manager for the law firm and concluded her career with them after 24 years. Laura truly enjoyed the many wonderful friends she made with that firm. Laura and Don moved to the Waco area about six years ago from the Dallas area. Together they were active members of Crossings Church in Bosqueville. She is preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Buck Higginbotham, Ruth Hodo, Farrington Higginbotham, Elmer J. Higginbotham and Loraine Jacobs.
Besides her Lord, Laura’s greatest loves were her family. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Don Welch; daughter, Donna Dendy and her husband Kirby; grandchildren, Andrea DeLaCruz and husband Simon and S. Travis Dendy and his wife Amy; siblings and their families, Helen Hogg, Weldon Higginbotham, William Higginbotham and Barbara Grice; great-grandchildren, Kayden Dendy, Reagan Dendy, Caleb DeLaCruz; twins, Alyssa and Ashton DeLaCruz; along with a host of other loving family and friends.
Laura’s family request memorial donations to be made in her memory to: The Texas Ranger Association Foundation, 104 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, Texas 76706.
Laura’s family offers a special thank you to the Baylor Scott & White Hospice employees for their compassion and direction. They also offer a special thank you to their Home Instead Caregivers; Janie Burnett, Vandolyn Woodard, Jaime Stevens, Bobbie Phillips, Dorothy Sachell and especially to Joy Salvatore, who cared for and loved Laura like her own mother.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
To the Welch and Dendy families I send you my love. Laura was a part of my life, she was family and there is no replacement for her. Her happy laugh and big smile will be missed always.
Thank you, Karlene. Nana loved you very much.
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Former Co-Worker – Hughes & Luce, LLP
To the family and friends of Laura,
The grace, the laughter, the gentle ways of Laura – this has warmed many a soul. It was a privilege to work with her at Hughes & Luce. May the memories of Laura sooth you and yours as you make your way without her at your side.
Condolences to all,
Ame Davison
That Dallas area was Donlee in LANCASTER where Laura, Don, and Donna were our dear neighbors. Many, many memories that I hope will comfort you in this time of loss. Your life is forever changed but knowing she is now without pain or confusion and that you will see her again is something to hold on to. I truly know your loss and you will be in the Holland family’s prayers.
To the Welch Family
I have such fond memories growing up on Donlee and have y’all as neighbors. My heart goes out to you at this time of sorrow. I know she and mama are up there getting caught up on things! Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
Sheila Fabre
I loved Laura. She was like a second mom when we were growing up. I have so many fond memories of the Welch family. You are in my prayers.
Love,
Suzanne Baty
I loved Laura very much. She was like a second mother to me. She hired me at Hughes & Luce back in 1989 to run the Austin Records Department. I’m still at the firm (now K&L Gates) and I owe it all to her. Not only was she my boss, but a great mentor and true friend. She comforted me when I lost my own mother back in 1998. We had many wonderful talks especially hearing all about her family. I feel as though I grew up knowing you all. Her family was very important to her.
Even after she retired, my husband and I would visit her and Don. I will always cherish those visits.
I will miss her tremendously. My prayers are with the Welch and Dendy family.
Love Linda and Adam Cardenas
To Don, Donna, Kirby, Andrea, Travis and family:
I pray our Lord will provide you with his peace and comfort in the days ahead. Laura loved her family and Lord with all her heart. Laura’s eyes would light up and twinkle any time she talked about her family. I am blessed to have known Laura and thankful she was a part of my life. Laura was my friend and mentor at Hughes & Luce. She took me under her wing and gave me love and encouragement. When I think of Laura I see her smile, hear her laughter and see God’s love shine through her eyes. I believe God opened his arms to greet her and said “Well done good and faithful servant, well done.” Chapter 31 of Proverbs sums up how Laura lived her life. Laura was a virtuous woman. I take comfort in knowing I will see my precious Laura again in heaven. With much love and sympathy,
Tonia Moreno Perry
I have thought of Laura often over the years. She was always so dignified — such a real lady. Having her and Don as neighbors was such a blessing. I’m sure her family will miss her terribly, but their loss is Heaven’s gain.
Uncle Don, Donna, Kirby, Andrea, Simon, Travis & Amy,
My heart hurts so much for all of you. Aunt Laura was such a wonderful woman. I loved her spunk and how she would not let those Welch men get the best of her!!! I know that she and my dad, along with all of our aunts and uncles, are having a great time together in heaven. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that you will see again one day. Love you all,
Anne Welch and Andy McMahan
So sorry to hear of this loss. We were neighbors on Donlee for 50 years and thought a lot of the Welch family. They were very special people.
So sorry for all the loved ones of Mrs. Welch. She was a beautiful lady , wonderful Wife, Mom, Grandma & Great Grandmother ! She loved you all so much. She was a wonderful twirling & PTA parent . She had a sweet smile & beautiful twinkle in her pretty blue eyes that smiled upon reflection of the family she loved. Heaven has a beautiful new angel dancing on the clouds . We were all blessed to have known her sweet spirit, she is at peace now in Gods arms! Y’all are in my thoughts & prayers at this challenging time.
To Don and Family,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
Rob and Sissy Stacks
I worked with Laura at Hughes & Luce. I dearly loved her. She was like a mother to me and so many others. Our Hughes & Luce family is growing smaller. I shall never forget her or all of the good people of Hughes & Luce. We were all such a close knit family. God bless you Laura. I know you are in Heaven with some good company.
Sending thoughts of peace to your family at this time.
Peggy Sinclair