Bertha Lou Welch, of Port Orchard, beloved wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend passed away surrounded by family on Sept. 7, 2013. She was born May 20,1938 in Oklahoma to Oscar & Maude Lebo. She moved with her family to Bremerton in 1943.

She graduated from Bremerton High School in 1956 and attended Olympic College where she earned an AA in 1978.

On June 12, 1959, she married Marvin Welch and they settled in Port Orchard where they raised their family.

Bertha was a homemaker for many years before working at Fort Lewis as an accounting clerk.

She enjoyed bowling, gardening, crosswords and Sudoku, going to the casino, watching the Mariners and the Seahawks, and, above all else, spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin, sons James, of Hartsville, SC, Michael and Arthur (Francine) Welch of Port Orchard, and daughters Laurie (Eric) Andersen of Tahuya, Kellie Morgan of Port Orchard and Ann (Jim) Welch of Roy.

She had eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Survivors also include Jim (Phyllis) Lebo of Silverdale, and Jan King of Bremerton.

A memorial service was Sept. 13. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society. A memorial webpage can be accessed at www.rill.com