Patricia "Patsy" Welch Hedges

She was born on November 1, 1929 in Orange, Texas. She lived most of her life in Houston.

She is survived by sons Michael Simmons and wife Rosie and Dennis Welch and wife Susie. Ten grandchildren: Tim, Ron, Randy Simmons, Faith Cardenas, Brian, Shannon, Brandon Tanner, Mandi Delano, Daniel and Dylan Welch. And eighteen great grandchildren: Christopher, Kiara, A.J., Destiny, Emily, Madeline, Courtney, Elizabeth, Emma, Zoe, Melanie, Tristan, Lexi, Hudson, Matthew, Mazy, Alivia and Alexis. Special Daughters in Law: Beverly, Cheryl and Debbie.

It has been said that no man is poor if he has friends. If that is true, Patsy had to be one of the wealthiest people around. Throughout her others-centered life she was able to take whatever circumstances she was given and turn them into something special. Her life was filled with one adversity after another, but she persevered, and she cared enough to encourage others she met along her way to do the same.

In her early thirties, she found Christ as her savior and began more than a half century of Bible teaching and ministry. She was also the subject of a book, Rich People Shop Here: A Tale of Love, Redemption, and Bargain Hunting. Her life and faith touched numerous people who knew her personally, and many who did not. Because of her faith, the end of her days were indeed better than her beginning.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Ronald Welch, son Keith Welch, Father Malcom Yates, Mother Anne Laurie, brother Malcolm Vernon Yates, sister June Yates, and grandson Benjamin Simmons.

Very special thanks from the Welch Family go out to her grandson Brian and Connie Tanner and their four daughters, and to Silverado Hospice and many special friends for making her last days on earth the best that they could be, considering the difficult physical and mental challenges she faced.

If there is work to do in Heaven, it is certain that Patsy has already said her hello’s and how-are-you’s, and volunteered for duty.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 24th at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5-8 PM.