Joyce E. Welch, 75, died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, at 8:26 a.m. at her residence.
    
She was born on Aug. 6, 1941, in Lima, Ohio, to Phillip and Ruby (Shrider) Long, who preceded her in death. On June 6, 1962, she married Norman Welch and he survives in Ada, Ohio.
     
Joyce was a graduate of Ada High School. She retired from Ohio Northern University as a switchboard operator. She was a former Girl Scout leader and Cookie Chairman for the Johnny Appleseed Council, Lima. She was also a former Weight Watchers International leader. Joyce was an avid reader and book collector. Joyce loved to travel and looked forward to an annual fall camping trip with her husband to various destinations in the United States.
 
Surviving are her children: Traci (Joel) Moritz of Lima, Ohio, Thad Welch (best friend Kim Klaus) of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Tonya (Randy) Kahley Owens of Hilliard, Ohio.

Also surviving are her siblings: Perry (Alma) Long of Sidney, Ohio; Anita (John) Dearth, Ada, Ohio; Phil Long, Celina, Ohio; and her grandchildren: Sarah Kahley of Columbus, Ohio, Shane Kahley of Ada, Ohio, Katy (Amanda Kelly) Moritz of Columbus, Ohio, Toby (Heather Pullins) Welch of Columbus, Ohio, and Micah Welch of Plain City, Ohio.

Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, with neighbor and close family friend Bob Evans officiating.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, and until the time of the service on Wednesday.

Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Ada, following the service.

The family encourages donations in lieu of flowers. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ada-Liberty Township EMS Service.