TRAVERSE CITY – Ruth Welch, age 76 of Traverse City, entered into eternal life on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at her home in the loving care of her family.

Ruth was born at her home in Traverse City on September 7, 1941 to Celestine Sr. and Thelma (Couturier) Schaub. Ruth was the second of eighteen children: fourteen boys and four girls.

On August 8, 1959, Ruth married the love of her life, Kenneth Lee Welch. Together Ken and Ruth moved to Flint, MI where Ken worked in the auto industry and Ruth took care of the family. Ken and Ruth moved back to the Traverse City area in 1996 after Ken retired

Throughout the years, Ruth and Ken enjoyed camping and spending time with their family. Ruth loved to crochet, make Afghans, and solve puzzles. She was a devoted Catholic and was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Ruth is survived by her children; Keith (Cindy) Welch, Terry Welch, Brenda (Welch) Jakee, Craig (Lisa) Welch, and Brian Welch. Grandchildren; Katlyn, Jeremy (Makenzie), Myranda, Mathew (TeAnna), Adam, Ethan (Kaitlyn), Krystal, and Ashley (Josh). Great-grandchildren; Kaylee, Caroline, Cash, Elliot, and Winslow.

Ruth is survived by her siblings; Gale (Ann), Richard (Isolde), Raymond, John (Ruth), Gerald (Janice), Celestine Jr. (Joan), Celeste, Theodore DVM. (Vickie), Phyllis (William), Anthony (Angie), Michael, Ike, Janet (Stuart), Eugene (Kay), Timothy (Lisa), Duane (Vickie), and Sidney (Cyndi).

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, parents Celestine Sr. and Thelma, and sisters-in-law Sue (Anthony) and Janice (Raymond).

Visitation for Ruth will be held on Monday, August 6, 2018 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with a rosary at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 11:00 am with a visitation one hour prior. Rev. Greg McCallum will preside.