Judy Welling

Julia "Judy" Margaret DeKay Welling, devoted wife, mother and loving grandmother, age 77, passed away peacefully on the 31st of August 2012 at Kindred Hospital, while surrounded by her loving family and dear friends.

Judy was born and raised on Ithaca, New York, the daughter of Rose and Sealy Calvin DeKay. In school she excelled in scholastics, popularity and athletics and was known to pitch a fast ball that would put the boys to shame. After graduating from Ithaca High School and attending Ithaca College she moved to Houston, Texas. Judy worked as a receptionist for Baroid Oil Company. On the 10th of September 1960, Judy married John Frederick Welling at St. Anne Catholic Church in Houston. Together they made many cherished memories and were always each others' confidants.

Judy loved life and lived each day to the fullest. She loved pulling you aside to tell a humorous joke and share a smile. She had a special place in her heart for the song "Fever" by Peggy Lee.

Judy won the Ted Mack amateur contest and was a rhythm and blues vocalist performer in various venues in upstate New York. Judy continued sharing her musical talents up until her recent years where she can be found to have a 50,000 viewership on a youtube post of her playing Boogie Woogie on her home piano.

She did not just love to laugh; she loved to make other laugh even more. She did not simply love music; she loved to dance. Her spark and wit were no shock to those who knew her and was a delightful surprise to new acquaintances. She was an inspiration to so many and spoke her mind in such a way that you considered an old trusted friend.

Judy is survived by her adoring husband, John Frederick Welling; her three cherished sons, Judd, Shawn, and Derek Welling; and three Grandchildren, Sydney, Justin and Payton; sister, Marlene Hankes; brothers, Robert DeKay and wife Ginney, and Jim Dekay and wife Susey; brother-in-law, Al Welling and wife Bette; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Deaver.

We would like to say something to all of the people who have become a part of the fabric of Judy's life. You have been the color and texture that made her life greater, fuller and happier and you were the song that she will sing forever.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Bessie Talbert for her friendship, devotion, and love for sweet Judy throughout all of the years.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon to eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 7th of September, at the home of Fred and Judy Welling, where a rosary is to begin at half-past seven o'clock.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 8th of September, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road in Houston, where the Rev. Msgr. Gene Francis is to officiate.

The Rite of Committal and entombment is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Memorial Oaks Mausoleum, 13001 Katy Freeway in Houston.

Honored to serve as casket bearers during Saturday's services are Roy Stocker, Chip Gift, Jim Fisher, Harwood Taylor, Scott Mann, Matt Dilick, Bob McKinney, and Jim Emerson. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Ralph Marek, Chuck Davis, Don Crumpler, Shane Wilson, Joe Catania, Fred Sampson, Charles Lyendecker, Johnny Lester, Hunter Todd, Scott Budge , Anthony Martinez, Vick Vasek, Ed Norwood, Stan Marek, Dwayne Henson, Kent Hytken, and Greg Lewis.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family kindly requests contributions be made to St. Anne Catholic School, 2120 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX, 77098.