Kristi L. Welty

On June 24, 2023, Kristi L Welty passed away peacefully at the Kobacker House, in Columbus, Ohio. Kristi was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer in 2021 and knew she was facing a terminal prognosis. She was a fighter and an inspiration to many in how she dealt with her cancer. She did not complain or say how unfair it felt, all she did was keep a positive outlook, tried several types of treatment, and used her stubborn will to survive – much longer than projected!

Kristi was born in Tiffin, Ohio on January 4, 1964, to Wesley and Jeane Welty, and grew up in Risingsun, Ohio. She began her nursing studies at the Mansfield General Hospital - School of Nursing and finished with a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix. She spent her entire career, 35 years, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, mostly in the Neuro Critical Care unit, and later played a vital role in setting up The Dempsey Family Education and Resource Center at RMH. Kristi was a true nurse! She was very passionate about caring for patients. She also cared for and helped the families in any way she could; as well as educating patients and families as they prepared to return home.

Kristi is survived by her mother, her brother Kent (Lisa) Kline, her sister Kim Welty, her brother Kyle (Amy) Welty, many nieces and nephews who she adored, and her beloved dog, Wally. She is preceded in death by her father and her two beloved dogs, Max and Charlie.

Kristi had a real passion for helping others, at work and in her personal life. She enjoyed being outside in the sunshine and especially spending time at the beach. She was a great gardener and would always help her sister plant flowers yearly, she loved to go hiking, she enjoyed cooking, listening to music (especially John Mellencamp, Tom Pety and the Beatles) and reading. She recently learned to play the piano again (she took lessons as a youngster) and loved sharing her progress. She volunteered at the Worthington Thrift Shop after her diagnosis. She absolutely loved the time she spent there with all the wonderful ladies in the shop. She was a dog lover and spoiled her current dog, a black lab named Wally that she rescued four years ago.

Kristi will be deeply missed by her family and many friends, but never forgotten!

A Celebration of Life and private inurnment is scheduled for early August. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Ohio Health Foundation, under Riverside Methodist Hospital, for nursing education. If using their website, designate Other, and list Nursing Education to direct your donation.