Kathryn Welch

On Sunday, February 13, our dear Sarah Kathryn Welch, peacefully passed away after 94 full-hearted years on this Earth. She was born April 17, 1927 in Birmingham, AL, spent her childhood on the Bates family farm in Trenton, GA, and was a resident of East Ridge for over 70 years.

Kathryn was the definition of unconditional love. She and her late husband Billy Mack Welch were married 53 years and together for more than 60 years. They loved to travel to Las Vegas and were known for hosting the family for Sunday suppers consisting of KK’s famous fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and chocolate cake.

Her only son Bill was the absolute light of her life and not a day went by that she did not let him know that. She was known for her loyal, kind, generous and passionate nature. She was lovingly called “Kat” by her two sisters, Lou and Betty, and “KK” by her only granddaughter, Elle. She never missed an opportunity to give you a card and always signed off with “love you bunches.”

She was career-driven, serving as executive secretary at EPB, American National Bank, and East Ridge Hospital Fitness Center. She served as the president of Alpha Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in Chattanooga in the 60s and has been a longstanding member of the Ridgedale Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years Billy Mack Welch, parents Eugene Clark Bates and Lola Mae Wise Bates of Trenton GA.

She is survived by her adoring son Bill (Beth) Welch, sisters Betty Bates and Louise (Jay) Burchfield of San Antonio Texas, granddaughter Elle (Baker) Welch-Brock of Chattanooga, niece Andi (Tom) McDonald of San Antonio, nephew Jay (Meggan) Burchfield of Dallas, and one grandniece and three grandnephews.

Kathryn will be forever loved and forever remembered. The family would like to thank Dr. Tye Young, Hospice of Chattanooga, and the staff of Martin Boyd Christian Home for their caring service, as well as her sweet friend Ruth Macleod whose visits she enjoyed so much.

The family will receive visitors from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday, February 18 at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on South Moore Rd. A celebration of life officiated by Dr. Bill Owens will take place immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of Kathryn’s favorite organizations to support - the St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com for the Welch family.

Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, TN 37412.