Patsy June Welch

Patsy June (nee Gantz) Welch, 87, of Moscow, Idaho, passed away Monday, December 25, 2023. She was born in Ashland, Ohio to Pansey Lillian Messmore and Charles Alvin Gantz June 28, 1936. At 2 ½ years old she lost her mother and lived under the foster care of Glenn and Catherine Lamb in Huntington, Ohio until 1955. Patsy married Pvt. David Lee Welch at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in 1955, and after basic training was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, where Deborah Lynne was born in May of 1957. Upon completion of Dave's enlistment they returned to Ohio to build a house and have three more children; David Allan, Daniel Lee, and Damon Earl. Patsy worked as a Telephone Operator in the 1960's and was a blue-ribbon winning baker & canner at different county fairs. She had a lifelong passion for horses and kept three while living in Ohio. In 1976 the family moved to Moscow, Idaho where Patsy found work as a Jr. High cook. Her summer vacation found Patsy and Dave enjoying the Oregon coast. She loved the shore and collecting driftwood. In the 1980's Patsy entered and finished numerous Spokane Bloomsday runs. She also became an avid bowler and earned many high scores for her team. In later years, Patsy & Dave traveled with the Roadrunners, enjoying trips to Alaska and other places. She was also a member of the DAR. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave; and her daughter, Deborah. She is survived by sons, David Allan, Daniel Lee and Damon Earl; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity in Patsy's honor. Burial is scheduled for June 28, 2024.