1930-2026
Betty Lou Welch-Kinney, of Bellefontaine, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born on March 16, 1930, in McKendree, West Virginia, to John Walter and Pearl Irene Scott.
Betty will be remembered as a hardworking woman who dedicated 20 years of service to Westinghouse in Bellefontaine. She also found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed puzzles, playing cards, and watching racing at Shady Bowl, and she was an avid fan of Joey Logano. Above all, Betty treasured time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart.
Her family was the center of her life. She is survived by her children, David Welch and his wife, Gerri; Debbie Keller and her husband, Bob; Tammy Wilson; Mark Welch and his wife, Laurie; and Jeremy Welch; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Vonnie Welch and Bobbie Jo Pierce. Betty’s love for her family was enduring, and the time they shared together will remain a lasting source of comfort and gratitude.
On May 13, 1947, she married her husband of 51 years, Emmett Welch, Jr., and he preceded her in death on August 15, 1998. On February 14, 2006, she married her husband of 16 years, Byron Kinney, Jr., and he preceded her in death on July 19, 2022. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her sons, Dan and Kelly Welch; her daughter, Roxanne Abrams; and her sons-in-law, Dan Abrams and Ron Wilson.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Wilson Funeral Home, Schnurrenberger Chapel, 222 W. Center St., West Mansfield. Funeral services to celebrate Betty's life will follow there at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Bryan Meadows officiating. Burial will take place at North Greenfield Cemetery, West Mansfield.
Memorial contributions can be made to Universal Hospice, in care of the funeral home.
To share a memory of Betty or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com
