Shirley Mae Welch

Shirley Mae Welch, 83, of Williamsburg, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Shirley was born on March 7, 1942, in Traverse City to the late Margaret and Fred Lake. On June 24, 1961, in Traverse City, she married the love of her life, Ivan Clarence Welch. Together they built a beautiful life and raised six children. Family meant everything to Shirley. In her younger years, she loved taking her family ice-skating and swimming, even bravely jumping off the high dive. She was an accomplished ice-skater and proudly won several trophies. Shirley worked for Elk Rapids Schools as a head chef for many years, where she shared her love of cooking and baking. She also enjoyed going for walks and grilling out. She especially loved when king crab legs were on the menu. Shirley found great joy in nature. She especially loved flowers and every spring would rent a large van to pick out an abundance of blooms to plant around her yard, making it as beautiful as possible. She had a special fondness for owls, particularly the snowy owl, and treasured visits from cardinals, believing they were signs from loved ones who had gone to heaven. She also enjoyed buggy rides with her family and any opportunity to be outside. Shirley was very active in The Salvation Army, where she served as an officer and volunteered faithfully for many years. She also participated in highway clean-up efforts to help keep her community beautiful. Above all, she cherished her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley was a truly wonderful woman whose warmth, faith, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is lovingly survived by her children, Christine (David) Holly, Andrew Welch, Bethany Welch, and Todd (Sandy) Welch; her grandchildren Maddison (Christian) Bates, Nathan, Kimberly, TJ, Tyler Welch, Tanner Welch, and Trevor Welch; her great-grandchildren Lily, Barry, and Miles; her sister Jeannie Shultz; her brothers Therowin “Skip” (Annie) Lake, Howard (Helen) Lake, and David Lake; along with many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ivan; her parents Fred and Margaret Lake; her sister Lucille, brothers Dale and Tim; and her sons Ricky and Rodnie. A funeral service in her honor will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Oakwood Cemetery, next to her beloved Ivan, whom she missed dearly. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Shirley Mae Welch

March 7, 1942 - February 17, 2026