Merina Welch

Merina was born April 15, 1940, at the Brown Ranch in Throckmorton Co. Texas to Truett and Helen Self. She went home to her lord and savior on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at the age of 70 years, 9 months and 16 days.
She received her formal education at the Throckmorton schools where she graduated in 1958. She attended Abilene Christian College for one year prior to returning to Throckmorton to work at the hospital.
Merina married Don Welch on May 2, 1964 at the Brown Ranch. Merina’s life took her on many adventures following her marriage as she supported her husband in his career with WTU. They resided in Stamford, Aspermont, Wellington, Alpine, Abilene and finally made it back to Stamford for the third time to build their current home and retire.
Merina was truly a dedicated family oriented wife, mother and Nana. Merina cherished the role of motherhood and especially being a nana to her five grandchildren. She always loved to have her family gathered around her, and even more so during the holidays. Merina was the center of her family, gracious with her gift of time, wisdom and love to share. Each family member felt her special love; her friends knew her loyalty and each was precious to her. She was a gracious lady with a gentle voice.
Merina was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Stamford. She served as a volunteer for the Stamford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in the 1970’s and was currently a member.
Surviving to mourn this special wife, mother and nana are husband Don of Stamford; one daughter and son- in-law Lynette and Todd Lewis of Brownwood; one son and daughter-in-law Matt and Tara Welch of Rockwall; five grandchildren, Alyssa Nicole Lewis, Ryan Glenn Lewis, Jacklyn Brooke Lewis, Ava Merina Welch and Steen Sandler Welch; two brothers and their wives, George and Josie Self and Joe and Joanne Self all of Throckmorton, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Stamford with the Rev. John Erwin officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be; Paul Brower, Jerry Johnson, Cary Davis, Gary Mathis, Billy John Edwards, Raymond Medford, Cleve Evans, and Sam Tankersley.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: David Raymond, Bill Anderson, Jerry Mueller, Matt Mueller, Jaxon Brigham, Mike Chisum, Brech Spradley, Bill Steen, Derrick Long,
Johnny Childress, W. T. McLean, W.C. “Bill” Holley, Sherwyn McNair, Bill Perry and Wayland Shurley.