Louis Ray Welch

Louis Ray Welch (April 11, 1945 – November 4, 2018) Of Starrucca, PA   Louis Welch, 73, of Starrucca, PA passed from this life to his eternal Home on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the Gardens in Tunkhannock, PA, where he had been a resident since May of 2018.  He traveled the road of dementia for twelve years. He leaves behind his loving wife of 52 years, Darlene (Sickler), three sons, Wesley (Paula) of Meshoppen, Harold (Melody) of Starrucca, and Kevin (Julie) of Marion, Ohio, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandson with plans to meet the second great in January.  He is further survived by his brother Robert (Julie) of Ninilchik, AK and his sister, Loreida of Meshoppen.  He was predeceased by his father Rashaw J. Welch in 2001 and his mother Alice, in 2012. Louis spent his whole life on the family dairy farm, but he was so much more than “just a farmer”.  Although the daily chores were time consuming, he spent many hours planting and tending his orchard that consisted of a variety of fruit trees.  His God given mechanical ability, coupled with an inventor’s mind allowed him to visualize and construct many time and labor saving devices that were instrumental to making the farm more efficient and productive.  But his most long lasting impact will be seen in the lives he impacted in so many ways.  He always made time to pass on the knowledge he had gleaned from life; from his wealth of farming knowledge to his deep understanding of fruit tree husbandry.  The greatest legacy though will be those he constantly pointed to Jesus Christ and his personal Savior and Lord.  Membership at the Green Grove Pilgrim Holiness Church in Nicholson, PA, was important to him, but his daily Christian influence will continue to be felt and seen for years to come. A celebration of life service will be held at Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave., Susquehanna, PA on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 11:00am with Rev. John Sherman and Rev. Johnathan Fall officiating. Burial will be in the Shehawken Cemetery, Shehawken, PA. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, November 8, 2018 from 6 to 8pm and Friday, November 9, 2018 from 10 to 11am.