Evonne Janet (LaRoche) Welsh was born on April 1, 1935, in Quinn, South Dakota to Ben and Irma LaRoche. She was raised in Wall, South Dakota, where she met and eventually married G. Arthur Welsh. They were the parents of 8 children.
Evonne’s Christian Faith, Lakota Sioux Heritage, and the Love of her family gave her comfort and strength throughout her lifetime.
Evonne enjoyed music, as she played the violin and sang. She was an avid reader, loved puzzles, and, on occasion, enjoyed a slot machine or two.
She was preceeded in death by her:
Parents: Ben F. LaRoche and Irma Babcock
Step-father: Scott Babcock
Husband: G. Arthur Welsh
Daughter: Paula Welsh Blasky
Brothers-In-Law: George Gunn and Wesley Welsh
Sisters-In-Law: Bev Welsh and Laura Jean Gunn
Father & Mother-In-Law: Harold and Mary Welsh
She is survived by her children:
Wendy (Bob) Knackert of Franklin, WI
Peter (Arlene) Welsh of Winnsboro, SC
John (Cathy) Welsh of Peoria, AZ
Richard (Shelly) Welsh of Ashville, OH
Joe (Nicole) Welsh of Monroe Falls, OH
Patrick (Sheryl Gahagan) of Watertown, WI
Chrissy (Scott) Maves of Dixon, IL
Evonne’s greatest Joy was her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was fondly referred to as GreenMa, Geeky, and Gramma Lightnin’. Although distance kept her apart from her family at times, she has loved them deeply and unconditionally.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Gary (Pat) Welsh of Rapid City, SD and many nieces and nephews.
She lived a life with a positive attitude and pure Joy, which was shared with everyone she met. She will be missed by those fortunate enough to have known her.
A private Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 in Milwaukee, WI.
Condolences may also be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
