Betty J. Welsh

Betty J. Welsh, 93, of Austin, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2013.

Born in Jackson Township, Van Wert County, Betty was the daughter of the late Homer Dolph Ferris and the former Ruth Louisa Weldy. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, Andrew J. Welsh.

Betty is survived by her brother, John Ferris of Peoria, Ariz.; two sons, Michael Welsh of Centennial, Colo., and Thomas Welsh of San Antonio, Texas; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three nephews.

Betty was raised in a pastoral setting on a farm in rural western Ohio. Her first years of education were in a one-room, multi-grade school. Like all farm children of that era, her life was centered around the farm, the school and the church.

During World War II, Betty and her parents moved to San Diego, Calif., and worked at Consolidated Aircraft Company. As a true “Rosie the Riveter,” Betty helped build B-24 “Liberator” bombers that her brother flew.

After the war, Andy and Betty Welsh settled in Austin, where she became an instant Texan and truly loved Austin. She was a lifelong Methodist, becoming a member of First United Methodist Church of Austin in 1948. Betty was active with the United Methodist Women of Faith United Methodist Church for 30 years. Her professional life led her to work in the state capital building for the Texas Board of Control, and later for several federal agencies.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Faith United Methodist Church in Austin, with Pastor Katy Fitzhugh the celebrant.

There will be no calling hours.

Preferred memorials: United Methodist Women of Faith United Methodist Church in Austin.

Arrangements were handled by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home South, 2620 S. Congress St., Austin, Texas.

Online memorials may be viewed at www.wcfish.com.