Mary Welch

Mary M. Thompson Welch, 84, of Lawrence, formerly of Perry, KS, died Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Bridge Haven Memory Care Village in Lawrence. Mary was born April 21, 1941 at Topeka, KS, the daughter of Eli Hartfield and Flossie Lee McMaster Elmore. Mary was a 1959 graduate of Perry Rural High School and she earned a B.A. degree and a Master's degree from Washburn University.

Mary retired after serving nine years as an accounting clerk for Perry U.S.D. #343. She had also worked as a secretary for Perry Elementary School, the State of Kansas, and various jobs at the University of Kansas. She retired as a civilian accountant with the Kansas National Guard. She was a member of Perry United Methodist Church, a former member of Perry Christian Church, a former member of Order of Eastern Star Ramona Chapter #431 of Perry, The Red Hat Society and was also active as a Girl Scout Leader in Perry.

She was married to Richards ‘Dick’ McCracken Thompson on July 25, 1959 at Perry, he preceded her in death on January 14, 2001. She married Lonnie Welch on April 30, 2016 in Lawrence, he survives. Mary is also survived by two daughters, Dawn M. (A.C.) Walter, Perry, Misty M. (James) Hockenbarger, Topeka, one sister, Florence Butts, Deactur, GA, eight grandchildren, Tony (Kendall) Walter, Jake (Laura) Walter, R.J. (Max Lock) Moser, Caitlyn (Jacob Schneider) Perron, Carver Perron, Addison Hockenbarger, James Hockenbarger, Ian Hockenbarger, five great-grandchildren, Remington, Miles, Savannah, Emma and Kaden.

Funeral Services 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 13,2026 at Perry United Methodist Church. Visitation 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Perry. Memorials to Ascend Hospice or Perry United Methodist Church. barnettfamilyfh.com