Dortha Jane Chunn

Dortha Jane (Reid Welch) Chunn, of Piedmont, Oklahoma, was called home by our Heavenly Father on December 26th, 2022 after spending 94 beautiful years as his faithful and loving servant. She was born December 14th, 1928, in Morrilton, Arkansas, the oldest of 11 children born to Emma Adeline (Gage) Reid and Homer Lyle Reid. Dortha had many passions, but most notable was her dedication to the Lord. She was an ordained deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City, where she taught Sunday School and worked on various committees for over two decades. She later continued her active involvement at the Piedmont First United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Oklahoma, where she worshiped until her passing.

Dortha was fiercely independent. The oldest child of a large family, she loved and cared for many children over her life. She learned quickly how to fix almost anything on her own, becoming a very capable handywoman over the years. She was a master seamstress and a gifted artist, creating everything from wedding dresses to exquisite stain glass pieces. She valued education and saw the importance in adapting to the technological advances that occurred over the near-century she was with us. Dortha’s long-life allowed her to experience many historical events that most of us can only read about. She lived through extremely tumultuous times such as the Great Depression, WWII, 9/11, and Covid; while also witnessing great strides in civil rights, women’s rights, and individual liberties. She was a hard worker and dedicated to her family, especially her children who she treasured.

Dortha is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, Freeman Chunn, her parents, one brother, five sisters, two half-brothers, and two nephews. She is survived by two sons, Tommy Welch (and his wife Mary Ann) of Moore, Oklahoma, and Keith Welch (and his wife Joni) of Piedmont, Oklahoma; one daughter, Vicki Watts (and her husband Clyde) of Scottsdale, Arizona; two sisters, and two brothers. Survivors also include 13 beloved grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, all whom she cherished and loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Parkinson

Foundation at parkinson.org in memory of Dortha Chunn, as this was a cause close to her heart.

A graveside service for Dortha will be held Friday, December 30, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Rose Hill Burial Park, 6001 Northwest Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73118.

Serving as pallbearers are Steve Watts, Shane Welch, Cole Welch, Mel LeMane, Brooke Welch and David Pierce.