Judith "Judy" Kathryn (Irby) Welsh

Judith Kathryn (Irby) Welsh, “Judy” to her family and friends, gently departed this world October 7, 2023 with family at her bedside. Judith was born in her grandmother’s house on North Oakland in Bolivar, Missouri on November 16, 1942, the youngest of three daughters of Thelma Lorene (Batson) Irby and Harvey Carl Irby.

Judith earned an associate degree from Southwest Baptist College in 1962 and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southwest Missouri State College in 1964. She taught first and second grades in Steelville and Cuba, Missouri, and most loved teaching her youngest students to read.

Mutual friends introduced her to Mike Welsh, an engineering student in Rolla, and 13 months later Judith and Mike were married on May 27, 1967, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Rolla. They moved to Kansas City, where Mike was employed by Armco Steel, and Judith began teaching in the Raytown School District.

Judith left her teaching career when the time came to start a family. Daughter Beth was born in 1970 and son Andy was born in 1973. Ever dedicated to education, Judith volunteered for their school’s PTA, eventually serving at the PTA’s state level. Judith’s great love for fine art led her to become one of the Raytown District’s first “Picture Ladies,” who introduced elementary-age children to notable works of art. She was also a member of AAUW, supporting and advocating for higher education for women, and supported the Equal Rights Amendment.

Judith was an intelligent critical thinker, with a mischievous sense of humor. She was a passionate advocate for justice, fairness, equality, and Christian love. Judith was a voracious reader with a passion for American history, particularly that of its presidents and military leaders, and lined many bookshelves with highlighted volumes. In her 60s, she started researching her family history.

Mike’s antique car hobby led to travel throughout the United States, and Judith soaked up historic sites and art museums wherever she could. Judith, a lifelong baseball and (later) football fan, bled Royals blue and Chiefs red with particular admiration for Frank White and Len Dawson. She loved all things Irish, and built a collection of Belleek pottery.

Growing up in the Welsh house meant learning honesty and respect for every person regardless of race or status. Andy’s five children, Brooke, Carl, Timothy, Maximus, and Alexander, delighted their Oma (though house rules always applied), and Judith got to meet her great-granddaughter Fiona this summer.

Judith was burdened by cruel health setbacks in later life. Rheumatoid arthritis stole her joints, depression stole her motivation and her old friends, and dementia stole her speech and some (but not all) comprehension. She faced each indignity with stoicism and her considerable will, and her great love for her family.

Judith leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Mike, who devoted his life to caring for her and whom she never ceased to love.

The family is grateful for the care Judith received from Menorah Medical Center, HCA Midwest Health Hospice, and the many in-home caregivers who supported Judith and Mike, especially Debbie, Shanna, and Rose.

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