Joan Rita Welch, 71, died Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Chris; son, Nick and his wife Kim; dogs Molly and Murphy and two sisters: Mary Ellen Roy and Margaret Martin.

She was born in Wheeling, W.Va. but was raised in Toledo, Ohio. She moved to Washington after her marriage eventually settling in Puyallup. She retired in her dream home they built near the end of the West Satsop river where many cherished memories were built.

Life is not a collection of things I did but rather the lives I’ve touched. She loved dogs no matter who they were or where they came from. She loved traveling and looked forward to her annual trip to the reunion of the USS Black. For those who knew her she had a big heart and was beloved by all.

She will be missed. May she rest in peace with the Heavenly Father.