Karen Sue Welch

Karen S. Welch, 49, a twenty five year resident of Middletown, Conn. and formerly of Plymouth, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 27th in Sioux Falls, SD while traveling with her parents, Plymouth residents Merle J. and Carol J. (Suter) Welch. Her death came while she was attempting to visit all 50 States by her 50th birthday on October 2nd of this year. She accomplished 48 – leaving Mississippi and Louisiana.

Karen was born in 1959, at Plymouth, Indiana. She was a 1978 graduate of the LaVille High School and Ball State University in 1982 with a degree in Computer Science. Everyday brought something new to Karen’s life and she enjoyed a fulfilling career in insurance and financial services.

She began that career in Hamilton, Ohio with Ohio Casualty prior to her move to Hartford, Conn., joining the Travelers and on to The Hartford Financial Services Group.

She was committed to her faith and family. As a member of the West Hartford United Methodist Church she loved serving as a Sunday school teacher in the pre-school program along with taking part in ‘Ladies Night Out’.

Karen looked forward to spending time with her family and coming home to Plymouth visiting her parents and only sibling Steve, his wife Patty and special niece and nephew; Stephanie of Chicago and Ryan Welch of Plymouth. A fun time was always had while playing games and cards with family and friends.

Also surviving are her aunts and uncles; Art and Marge Suter, Linda and Gene Piper, Richard and Joan Welch and Jean Shrout.

She will be remembered as being a happy, unselfish and giving person often found reading a book likely written by Stephen King. Karen also collected Winnie the Pooh and Disney Movies.

Family and friends are invited to share memories of Karen during a visitation from 4 – 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2nd at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3rd in the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11203 S. Michigan St., Plymouth with calling there one hour prior to services. The Rev. John Branch will officiate. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall.

Burial will be in the New Oakhill Cemetery and memorial gifts may be given in her memory to the West Hartford Church, Plymouth Wesleyan Church or St. Michael School OPZ Project.