Elsie Welch
November 18, 1935 ~ October 18, 2021
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Elsie Welch, 85, of St. Lawrence, passed away Monday, October 18, 2021, at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 25, 2021, at the St. Lawrence Community Church with Pastor Jim Hofman officiating, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Lawrence.
Elsie Welch was born November 18, 1935, at her home to Oscar and Mabel (Goodall) Dracy. She attended school at Sand Creek and Wolsey.
Elsie married the love of her life, Robert Welch, on February 3, 1952, and thanked God every day for the two boys and all their friends, that union blessed her with. It was the best thing that ever happened her and Robert.
Elsie loved her work and felt honored to be able to help people. She worked at Polly’s Shoe Store for thirteen years. Her boss, Rosalee Wallman, was a best friend and a great employer. In 1978, she went into partnership with Eleanor Lanz and owned and operated The Fabric Inn in Miller. Eleanor and Elsie ran the business with a few ladies they had part time. Elsie was so grateful for all the help she had over the years until they sold the store on June 1, 2015.
Elsie opened Elsie’s Stitchin Post in her home. This business was such a beautiful way to make Elsie feel useful and helpful. Although busy, she always had time for coffee, concerts and plays, thanks to her great friends.
Robert and Elsie loved dancing and did their share of it. Elsie’s toes will continue to tap to the good ole beat of western music. They also loved camping and boating with each other, whether work or play, they loved being together if they were with their family.
Elsie is survived by her sons: Ronnie (Betty Jo), and Tony (Diane); grandchildren: Michelle (Nathan) Stuck of Brentford, SD, Amy (Chris) Howard of Miller, SD, Sara Nelson of Monticello, MN, Erin Nelson of St. Lawrence, SD, and Allison Nelson of St. Lawrence, SD; great grandchildren: Kathy Ruesink of Brentford, SD, Hailie, Kiarra and Kane Stuck of Brentford, SD, Alana and Maya Howard of Miller, SD, and Drew Keenan, Patrick Nelson, Lucas Nelson and Audrey Haessig of St. Lawrence, SD; and two great great grandsons; Brentley Ruesink and Rory Ruesink of Brentford, SD. Elsie wanted to thank Heath and Andrea Mushitz, Fran and Jerry Alumbaugh, Morris Reber and Dean Stevens, who she considered her extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents; sisters: Thelma Bentz, Susie Linafelter, and Pearl Getscher; brother, Victor Dracy; baby brother, Oscar; and many great friends.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Elsie’s arrangements.
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Just wanted to let Tony Welch and family know that our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of loss with the passing of Tony's mother Elsie.
My deepest sympathies to Ron, Tony and Families. Thoughts and prayers.
XOXO
My sincere sympathy to the family of Elsie Welch.
My sincere sympathy to the family of Elsie Welch.🙏🙏
So sorry to hear of your loss, she was a lovely lady. My sympathies to the families
Sorry for your loss.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dick and Kathy Splichal
My deepest sympathy to all the family. The ladies at the Fabric Inn got me started quilting after I couldn't work as a nurse anymore. Needless to say I still have my own little "store" of fabric that my kids are wondering what they will do
with.
May God bless all of you.
Our deepest sympathy.
My deepest sympathy to the family. I purchased lots of fabric from the Fabric Inn. Elsie was always helpful and fun to visit with.
Patty Fawcett
Ron, Tony & families, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Elsie was a wonderful fun, caring, talented woman. May God give you strength and comfort.
Sympathy to the Ron and Tony Welch families, my thoughts and prayers are with you!
Tony and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Remember she is only gone in body. She will always be with you.
What a great picture of Elsie. She patched a lot of stuff for my family after Mom quit doing it. May the good memories bring you tears, smiles, and peace. God bless you all.