EMPIRE — Louise Lorraine Welch, 87, of Empire, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 7, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.Louise was born Jan. 26, 1925, in Grand Rapids. She was the daughter of the late Clarence and Adeline (Payment) Brooks. Louise entered into marriage with the late Frank Welch on Oct. 9, 1943, in Miami, Fla.Louise was a devoted homemaker. She also worked at Deering's Food Market in Empire and for the Leelanau Schools. She was an active member of the Empire United Methodist Church. She was in the choir for many years, was a Sunday School teacher, and also served as past president of the United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Empire Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and White Shrine.Surviving are her children, John Welch, of Whitehall, Betty Welch, of Empire, and Don (Maria), of Empire; grandsons, William (Janet) Welch, of Twin Lake, Richard (Abigail) Welch, of Whitehall, and Andrew Welch, of Muskegon; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Miles and Axell Welch, of Twin Lake, and Cadence Welch, of Spring Lake; brothers, Clarence Brooks, of Grand Rapids, and Richard Brooks, of Manton; sisters, Elaine Alpers, of Traverse City, and Nancy Oosting, of Guatemala.Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; son, William; twin sister, Luella Luckett; brother, Ken Brooks; and daughter-in-law, Janet Welch.Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, with visitation one hour prior at Empire United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Empire Maple Grove Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be directed to the Welch Family.Please sign Louise's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.