Mary Ellen Welch

Mary Ellen Welch, 88, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2024 after final days surrounded by family. Mary was born on August 11, 1936 in Coalgate, Oklahoma to Robert “Bob” Lee and Olive Cora Lambert. She was the middle of six children, but throughout her life, took on a matriarchal role to many branches of extended family. On May 25, 1956, Mary married the love of her life, Troy Lee Welch in Coalgate, Oklahoma. Troy and Mary had three beloved children, Cathy Ellen, Jackie Lee, and Troy Brendon. In 1960, Troy and Mary settled in Muskogee, OK and made it their home for 59 years. While living in their first home in Muskogee, Troy and Mary met the Daniels family and began a lifelong friendship amongst not only the adults, but also the children. Mary served many roles within the Sears Department store before retiring in 1992. Her fondest memories of working at Sears included meeting and forming a life-long friendship with Norma Cole. Mary and Norma became family and cared for each other’s families as their own. One of Mary’s greatest joys in life was her role as “Granny.” Her grandchildren have fond memories of days at Tenkiller Lake and playing in the backyard of her home in Muskogee, OK. Though spread throughout the country, Mary made sure her great-grandchildren knew how special they were to her in every possible way. Mary Welch is preceded in death by the love of her life, Troy; her parents Bob and Cora Lambert; five siblings; as well as grandson, Gregory Glenn. Mary Welch is survived by three children, Cathy Blair of Michigan; Jackie Glenn of Texas; and Troy Welch and wife Debra of Texas. Mary is also survived by her five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 2:00p.m. -4:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee, Oklahoma. A service to honor her life, will be held on November 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Funeral Home with a burial to follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery (1:30 p.m.). Pallbearers are Johnny Lambert, Ronnie Lambert, Jerod Lambert, Jeremy Lambert, Jimmy Lambert and David Blair. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research https://give.michaeljfox.org/ or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.

Mary Ellen Welch

August 11, 1936 - November 1, 2024