Judith Ann Welch, 71, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Friday morning, November 05, 2010 at her home.

Born September 23, 1939 in Coffeyville, Kansas, she was the daughter of Edward and Wanda (Barker) Hatcher. She was raised and received her education in Coffeyville, Independence, and Olathe, graduating from Olathe High School in 1957. After high school she went to work for the Civil Defense Department in Olathe. While in Olathe she also helped start the Block Mother Program.

Judy was united in marriage to Eugene C. Welch on May 23, 1975 in Miami, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Winfield, where Judy went to work as a journalist for the Winfield Daily Courier. She continued working as a journalist for both the Courier and the Arkansas City Traveler until her retirement in 2006. After retiring from the paper, she helped to start Newscow.net where she worked until 2008. Judy was also a founding board member of Creative Community Living in Winfield. Mr. Welch preceded her in death on August 22, 1992.

Judy was a member of the Associated Press and the Friday Night Margarita Club. She enjoyed gardening and taking walks. She was also an avid fan of the Friends University Football Team.

Her family includes:
Her sons: Daryl "Matthew" Welch of Wichita; Timothy Welch of Winfield; and Monty Lewis and wife, Nancy of Wichita;
Her daughter: Stacy Lynn Kerr and husband, Duey of Oxford;
Her brother: David R. Hatcher and wife, Jan E. of Topeka;
Her sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Welch of Wichita; and Helen Blust of Tulsa;
Her grandchildren: Amber J. Torres and husband, Luis; Nathan Halbert and wife, Melissa; Andrew Kerr; Monty D. Welch; Josh Lewis; and Shelby Lewis;
Her great grandchildren: Logan, Abigail, Hannah, Ciara, and Kamea; and
Her nephews: John David Hatcher; and Curtis Hatcher.

In addition to her parents and husband, Judy was preceded in death by her daughter, Robin Welch.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Tuesday November 09, 2010 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Monday evening November 08, 2010 from 4 to 8. The family will greet visitors from 6 to 8 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Judy's name for the American Heart Association and for Creative Community Living of Winfield. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.