Doris A. Welch, 94 of Polk passed from this life on Friday, September 19, 2025 in her home.
She was born on July 7, 1931 in Rittman, the daughter of the late Harold and Helen (nee Wittman) Reed.
She graduated from Polk High School, Class of 1949.
She married the love of her life that she met in the 4th grade, Wallace Dean Welch on May 11, 1952 while he was on leave in the United States Navy. Doris and her groom returned to San Diego, California where he completed his obligation and was honorably discharged in 1954. The newlyweds would call Polk home for the next 71 years.
Along with being a homemaker and helping out with U-Dean Farm, Doris was employed for more than 17 years at Ashland University where she worked in the kitchen.
She was a devoted lifetime member of the Polk Church of Christ, Polk Lions Club, and the Ashland County Farm Bureau. Doris and Dean were great supporters of Mapleton Local Schools with their children, grandchildren and many friends, never missing a sporting event.
She is survived by her two daughters, Julie (Rod) Rogers of Ashland and Nancy Welch of Polk; one son, Michael (Cheryl) Welch of Polk; a daughter-in-law, Sandy Welch of Polk; eleven grandchildren, Shenna (Seth) Cole, Joshua (Lindsey) Welch, Bethany Szijarto, Aaron (Tonya) Welch, Adam (Jill) Welch, Missy (Matt) Schmitz, Chad (Amanda) Rogers, Courtney (Josh) Bull, Jonathan (Mara) Welch, Ashlee (Sean) Lucas, and Reed Welch; 25 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; her sister, Barbie Daniels of Ashland; and her sister-in-law, Esther Welch of Polk.
In addition to her parents, Doris is preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, W. Dean Welch who passed away on May 6, 2024; two sons, Randy and James Welch; two granddaughters, Abby and Zoe Welch; a brother, Bill Reed; a brother-in-law, Ralph Daniels; and Dean’s siblings, Lorene (William) Gardner, Eugene Welch, Ercel (Dick) Swindaman, Grace (Dale) Gardner, and Mary Louise (Gib) Smith.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. in the Polk Church of Christ with Pastor Ed Graves presiding. Friends may visit two hours prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place in the Polk Cemetery following a meal and time of fellowship at the Polk Jackson Perry Fire District, 209 E. Congress St. Polk, OH 44866.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Polk Church of Christ; 204 E. Congress St. Polk OH 44866 or to the Polk Lion’s Club.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com