Jonell Welch

Graveside services for JoNell Welch, 76, of Temple, will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, at Bellwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends for visitation at the home of John and Kay Hirrill, on Wednesday evening 6-8 PM, at 7020 Brandon Drive, Temple, Texas. Mrs. Welch died Sunday, March 2, 2014 in a Temple hospital. Mrs. Welch was born April 22, 1937, the daughter of Claude Clinton "Big Boy" Whatley and Lillie Lee (Allen) Whatley. She married Jessie F. Welch, Sr. October 13, 1952 in Stanton. She worked for a few years as an AT&T operator in Midland. She was a military wife for 28 years. After the military they made their home in central Texas where JoNell enjoyed hours upon hours of volunteering. She was a member of the American Legion auxiliary. She was a den mother and scout leader for cub scouts, boy scouts, girl scouts, camp fire as well as 4H and FFA. She also worked at the nursing home in Moody. Mrs. Welch was a member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Jessie Franklin Welch, Sr.; two sons Jessie Franklin Welch Jr. and Charles Ray Welch; and one daughter Debbie Denise Welch. Survivors include one son Mark Welch and wife Michele of Temple; three daughters, Kay Welch Hirrill and husband John Precious' Hirrill of Temple, Cherie Vela of Denver, Co and Jessica Welch of Ft. Worth; 13 grandchildren Chasity, Tania, Joe Ryan, Zachary, Chase, Jeremy, Kayleigh, Taylor, Brandon, Allyson, Ty, and Wyatt Christopher; 15 great grandchildren and her beloved dog Binx. Memorials may be made to the Scott & White Glenda Tanner Vasicek Treatment Center 2401 South 31st Street Temple, Texas 76508