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CANFIELD -- Kathryn H. "Kay" Welch, 86, passed away Friday morning, March 13, 2026, at Shepherd of the Valley in Poland.
Known to many as "Aunt Kay," she was born March 2, 1940, in Rochester, Pa., a daughter of the late Wilfred and Martha Neely Hipple.
Kay graduated from Boardman High School in 1959.
She had worked at the former Youngstown Sheet and Tube, where she met her husband, Ken. She later served as a secretary for Lord of Life Lutheran Church and Canfield Christian Church. Kay eventually retired from Shepherd of the Valley in Poland, where she had been the activities director.
She was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Kay was known for her kindness, big heart and wonderful sense of humor. She was generous and always willing to lend a helping hand. Nothing brought her more joy than gathering around a table with family and friends -- whether sharing stories or playing cards. A great cook who loved to entertain, Kay made everyone feel welcome in her home. She also had a deep love for animals and especially enjoyed dog-sitting for family members. Kay stayed busy supporting her family, attending swim meets, band concerts and many other activities for her granddaughter and great-great-nephews.
Her husband, Kenneth G. Welch, whom she married July 17, 1965, passed away June 22, 2015.
She leaves her daughter, Sue (Micah) Stevens of Crozet, Virginia; her granddaughter, Kirsten Stevens; a niece, Elaine Shively; a great-nephew, Andy (Linda) Welch; and great-great nephews, Seth (Allison) Welch and Zane Welch. Kay also leaves her lifelong friend, Beverly Baker.
Besides her parents and her husband, Kay was preceded in death by an aunt, Helen Jordan.
Friends may call 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 550 N. Broad St., Canfield, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to the Memorial Fund of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Friends of Fido or the donor's charity of choice.
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