Linda Lee Welch, 77

Funeral services for Linda Lee Welch, 77, of Ava, formerly of Longrun, were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023, in the Clinkingbeard Chapel in Ava with burial following in the Hicks Cemetery in Theodosia. Rev. Dale Roberts officiated. Visitation was held from 1:30 p.m. until service time. 

She died June 19 at her home in Ava with her husband Rayford and her family by her side. Linda was born Jan. 22, 1946, in Branson, to Ola “Olie” Smith and Patsy “Hattie” (Fry) Parsons.

When she was just 11 years old, Linda was nurtured and raised by Robert and Betty Jo Riley in the Longrun community and later moved to the Kansas City area. On May 27, 1963 Linda married Rayford Welch at Harrisonville.

Linda retired from working at Emerson Electric and also Copeland in Ava. She also worked in Ozark. Linda loved her flowers, gardening, sewing and her dogs. She was a Christian and of the Baptist faith. 

She is survived by her husband Rayford of the family home in Ava; special cousins Boyd and Freeda Garrison of Theodosia; nephew Russell Riley and his wife Cynthia; many other nieces, nephews;  other extended family and many friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; several brothers and sisters. 

Family requests donations to be made to the Hicks Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.