Betty Jean Welch

Born in Oak Park, Illinois to George and Marion Gathercoal Lund, Betty was a rarity; a truly gracious and compassionate woman. Her kindness and sincerity were only superseded by her intelligence, creativity and joy of life. Her main concern was that her loved ones would be okay after she passed: as always, thinking of others.

Growing up in Ludington, Michigan, Betty earned a music scholarship to Stetson University in Deland, Florida, where she met Elwyn Brown. Following graduation, they married in 1952, and landed in Columbus, Indiana in 1958.

Betty loved Columbus, with its art and culture. She also loved her church, First United Methodist. She especially loved raising her three children, making friends that would last her lifetime, and education. After substitute teaching for 12 years, Betty completed her Master's Degree and began teaching fifth grade at Clifty Creek Elementary.

Then it happened. In 1982, she got bit by the computer bug. Emboldened by her certainty that computers were the educational tool of the future, Betty approached the school board and other educators, wrote numerous grants, and got computers installed in each classroom at Clifty School. She didn't stop there. To assure that the newfangled gadgets would actually be used, Betty eventually wrote the curriculum for a total of 15 different computer classes and then taught many of the classes herself, mostly at IUPUI to fellow educators, young adults, and parents, while continuing to teach fifth grade. After retiring in 1994, Betty served as a Student Teacher Supervisor for Indiana University for the next 12 years.

Computers and creativity went hand-in-hand for Betty. Experimenting with the latest home graphic design and image editing software, Betty learned photo editing, greeting card and newsletter design. Until she became bedridden in December, Betty continued to create and mail birthday cards to all of her family and friends.

Betty began to experience the excitement of travel in the 1960's when she and Elwyn chaperoned the United States Collegiate Wind Band, which toured all over Europe each summer, including Russia - during the cold war. Their last trip together was a cruise to Alaska prior to his death in 1992. Later, Betty enjoyed a trip to Australia and New Zealand, followed by several jaunts around North America.

A few years later, Betty met widower James Welch at church. The two fell madly in love and married in 1995. Fortunately, Jim also enjoyed traveling and they delighted in trips to Europe, Central America, South America, and in the U.S. At the time of Jim's death, they had been married 20 years. Betty continued to travel with friends and her children, who always adored her company.

Betty didn't confine her talent to family and education or her enthusiasm to travel. She sang in the church choir, played in the bell choir and knitted prayer shawls; volunteered for Love Chapel, Columbus Hospital and Hospice; held offices in Delta Kappa Gamma, the local Retired Teachers Association and the Columbus Symphony Board; and served her community and church in myriad other ways. (She actually wrote 18,487 thank you letters for Love Chapel.)

Betty discovered a knack for photography and always had the newest cameras, and eventually cell phones, and got a kick out of seeing her images published or winning blue ribbons at the 4-H Fair. Passion for gardening and her fondness of birds also filled her life with pleasure.

Most of all, Betty was a kind, gracious woman who treasured her family and her friends. She touched many lives with her endless love.

Betty will be profoundly missed by her children, Susan Brown, Nance (Bob) Buchert, and Jeff (Julie) Brown; her beautiful granddaughters Heather (Ryan) Buchert-Roscoe, Jill (Nick) Zelaya, Melissa (Chris) Hale, Jana (Cody) Shipman, and Tracy (Cody) Brown; eight great-grandchildren; her dear friend and companion David Haines; step-daughters Pam (Ken) Maschino and Sandy Winship; and the numerous friends she leaves behind.

Betty's life will be celebrated with a private graveside service at Garland Brook Cemetery officiated by Rev. Howard Boles. All are invited to view the ceremony through a Livestream on the Funeral Home's Facebook page. The Livestream will be available on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 11 a.m. and can be accessed at www.Facebook.com/MyersReedChapel.

In lieu of flowers, please demonstrate your love and appreciation of Betty's life through memorials in her name, Betty Welch, to First United Methodist Church of Columbus or Columbus Hospice. Condolences to the family may be made at www.Myers-Reed.com.

Myers-Reed Chapel is assisting Betty's family.