Mary "Irene" Welch

Mary Irene Welch

She was a member of the greatest generation that ever lived, and she was known by the characteristics that marked that generation. Mary Irene Welch, better known as Irene, was a woman of strength and independence. She attended Freeport High School, and like many young women of World War II, she joined the workforce and there met the love of her life. She married Robert Harry Welch on April 22, 1945, and together, she and Bob raised four children. While he worked long hours to financially provide for the family, she worked long hours as well, making a haven of comfort and security for their children. On the home front, she knew what needed to be done, and she did it! Through their hard work and self-sacrifice, they provided many opportunities for their children to grow and flourish. She and Bob were faithfully committed to each other and observed 58 years of marriage prior to his passing on January 1, 2004.

Born in Stillwater, Ohio on March 6, 1925, Irene, age 91of Dover, Ohio died on July 4, 2016 at Community Hospice in New Philadelphia. She was the daughter of the late Walter and Ruth Ervin Barkley and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Preceding her in death were her parents Walter and Ruth Barkley, husband Robert Welch, brother Roy Barkley, sister Eileen Clay and the heartbreaking loss of two children, James "Jim" in 2011 and Joyce Ann in 1967.

Those surviving to cherish her memory include sons William (Cindy) of New Philadelphia, and Larry (Becky) Welch of Nashport, Ohio, and daughter-in-law Karen Welch of New Philadelphia; seven grandchildren Amy Welch, John Welch, Alicia (Sean) Mills, Eric (Megan) Welch, Courtney (Neale) Linge, Jennifer (Allen) Loy, and Steven Welch; and eight great-grandchildren Samuel, Joshua, Asher, and Josiah Mills; Ethan Welch; Peyton, Presley, and Mia Linge.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no calling hours. Cremation will be in the care of Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. Graveside services will be held at a later date and the cremains interred in the family site at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia, Ohio.
To sign the online guest book, share a memory, or pay a tribute to Irene, please visit the obituary and flowers link on the Toland-Herzig website. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First Presbyterian Church at 217 East High Ave., New Philadelphia Ohio 44663; Community Hospice 716 Commercial Ave., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.