Patricia Mae Thompson Welch was born June 15, 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa to Cleon and Dorothy (Darr) Thompson. Pat joined her beloved husband, Keith Welch, in heaven on November 3, 2023.
The oldest of five children, Patricia was a lively person who enjoyed growing up on the farm. She shared many happy memories of her childhood. Maxwell, Iowa, where she graduated from high school, was dear to Pat’s heart.
Patricia married Keith Welch in December of 1958 and they made their home in Ankeny. They raised a family of five children: Kyle, Karol, Keith II (KC), Kent, and Kara.
Patricia worked in several offices and found that she preferred receptionist work because it involved meeting new people daily and offered the variety she craved. In later years, Pat enjoyed writing. She crafted annual Christmas letters and worked on genealogy. She commented, “To get this genealogy completed, I’m going to have to live to be 100 years of age and retain all of my mental faculties!!!!”
Patricia is survived by her loving children, Kyle (Mike, deceased) Helm; Karol (Craig) Greer; Keith II (Missy); Kent (Anita); and Kara (Clint) Wahe; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
Patrica was preceded in death by her parents, Cleon and Dorothy Thompson; her beloved husband, Keith Welch; and her son-in-law, Mike Helm.
Visitation will be held at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, immediately followed by a funeral service at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Gardens. A luncheon will follow the burial.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in honor of Pat to Every Step Hospice or a charity of your choice.
