Annie was born on November 19, 1928, in Randolph County, Indiana, to the late Rhoda and Paul Welch. On May 5, 1945, she ran away to Covington, Kentucky to marry Dale St. Myers, and despite her parents' reservations, Dale and Annie farmed, grew a thriving business, and raised a family together. He preceded her in death on December 27, 2001. Her son Patrick St. Myers also passed before her, as well as her sister, Helen Cunningham and her brothers, Wilmer Welch, Lloyd Welch, and Eldon Welch, who was her twin.
She is survived by her sister, Joyce Hurley, and daughters Diana (Don) Frazier and Connie Bright. Also remembering her today are ten grandchildren: Scott (Tonya) Frazier, Angie (Scott) Crawford, Robin (Micky) James, Stephanie (Kevin) Balogh, Sarah (Justin) Evans, Darrick (Hettie) Hueber, Christina (Roger) Bowersock, Joe (Lora) Hueber, Sherry (Sammy) Keen and Kerry (Stephanie) Zumbrun. Together they gave her 25 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Annie is also survived by her special friend, Gene Byrum. They shared a love of cards, casinos, and yard sales and Annie’s later years were made brighter by the time she spent with Gene.
For her grandchildren, memories of Grandma Annie will always be centered on long weekends at Lake Erie where summer fun and candy, soda pop, and ice cream - were plentiful. Sunday dinners were a reliable tradition and featured some of the best mashed potatoes you would ever eat. And cards! To be sure, if you were at Grandma Annie’s for very long, the cards would come out. Grandma never gave ground in a good card game, even if you were a beloved great grandchild of six or seven. If you ever beat her, it was because you were good or lucky!
Annie was a life-long member of Bartonia Methodist Church and until having a stroke 4 years ago, was a faithful helper at their weekly soup kitchen. Her easy smile made people there feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Annie was also a hospice volunteer, bringing her kindness and warm smile to Greenville families during a tough time when they needed it most.
A private celebration of Annie’s life will take place at the convenience of her family. Annie will be entombed at a later date in Greenville Township Memorial Gardens.
The family has entrusted Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus, with the final arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be given to State of the Heart Care, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.