Lucy Welch, 87, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died peacefully in her sleep on November 4, 2026.

Lucy was born in Clarksville, Texas, to Louise and Thomas Hayes Tanner. She was proud of her Southern roots, and she always dreamt of being a “classy Texas lady,” something those who knew her would agree she fully achieved.

She moved to Kalamazoo as a young girl, graduated from the original Central High School, and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin, where she met the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Welch. They were proud Badger fans throughout.
Lucy lived a life of service and had a particularly tender heart for those less fortunate. She would easily become teary-eyed talking about someone in need and was always looking for a way to help. She generously gave her time and talents to many organizations, serving as a volunteer and/or board member with the Bronson Foundation, YMCA, Junior Achievement, and Hospital Hospitality House (HHH) of Southwest Michigan. She was also active with the Junior League/The Service Club of Kalamazoo, the Salvation Army, and the Garden Club.

Lucy was an extraordinary cook and baker, a gifted host, and had a wonderful eye for art and décor. She loved birds, flowers, and gardening, although her affection for nature did not extend to the deer who treated her flowers as their personal salad bar. She loved to travel and enjoyed running, tennis, and playing mahjong with her friends.

Most of all, Lucy loved people. She was devoted to her family and treasured her friendships. She remembered everyone’s birthday and fed people, whether they were hungry or not. And while many will remember her amazing oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, homemade ice cream sandwiches, and other signature dishes, her greatest gift may have been the way she made people feel welcomed. When you were with Lucy, you knew you were loved.

Lucy was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Jerry; her parents; and her only sibling, Billie Jo Hart. After losing Jerry in 2017, Lucy had to create a new chapter for herself. There was plenty to learn along the way, but she embraced it with courage, independence, and grace, while remaining very much the same Lucy everyone loved. Some would even suggest that she became funnier in recent years.

She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Tom Welch, Laura (Matt) Phillips, Greg (Sandy) Welch, Leah (Joe) Walters.

Her love for her grandchildren, their spouses, and her great-grandchildren is difficult to put into words. To them, she was known simply and affectionately as “Gram.” Her 11 grandchildren are Remy, Mariah, and Gerald Welch; Meredith and Olivia Phillips; Austin Welch, Jacqueline Welch Thornton, Lucy Welch Kauffmann, and Wylie Welch; and Grant and Paige Walters. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren.

Lucy leaves behind a family who will miss her warm smile, her cooking & hospitality, her well-supported opinions, and, above all, that unmistakable feeling of being loved by her. To the world, she was a mom. To her children, she was the world. Like the TV show, everyone loved Lucy. When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she simply said “Kind” which seems entirely fitting.

The family is grateful to the wonderful caregivers at Vineyards Assisted Living Community in Texas Corners, Michigan who helped Lucy manage her final months with dignity.