Marilyn Welch

Marilyn Jo Welch, 71, of Alanson, formerly of Elyria, OH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born on November 19, 1952, in Elyria, the daughter of Paul and Jeanne (Elbert) Scholtz.

Marilyn attended Elyria High School and graduated in 1970. The following year, she married the love of her life, Randy Welch, on June 14, 1971, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Elyria. They spent the first year of their marriage in Germany as Randy was stationed in the Army there. They returned to Elyria in the fall of 1972 and welcomed their first child in 1973, eventually becoming a family of five. She was a homemaker until they were all of school age, and then transitioned to a career as an escrow secretary for Midland Title Company. She enjoyed her time there very much and made many lifelong friends in her 25 years with them.

In 2013, she and Randy retired to Alanson where they had spent many summers together at her family’s property on Pickerel Lake. She loved to tend to her flower gardens, feed the birds, and take care of her chickens at their home in the woods. She had a keen sense of humor and an unforgettable laugh. Above all else, Marilyn loved God and her family. She was the glue that held everything together.

Marilyn is survived by her beloved husband, Randy Welch; her three children, Heather (Phil) Harmon of Petoskey, Bryan (Adrienne) Welch of Elyria, OH, and Chad Welch of Elyria; seven grandchildren Lauren, Trent, Bradley, Alex, Brendan, Gwendolynn, and Ava; and three sisters, Paula Scholtz, Sharon (Jim) Reubensaal, and Carolyn (Mike) Underman.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Marilyn’s family has chosen to gather in private locally. A burial and celebration of life will be planned, for September, in Ohio. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com