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Rita Welcher Obituary
Rita graduated from Lucy Addison High School in the Class of 1964. During her high school years she acquired and maintained lasting friendships that have endured the test of time. After graduating from high school she enrolled in a training program with Total Action Against Poverty. This experience allowed her to benefit from courses at Penn State University and Roanoke College. She later became the Director of the King Kennedy Headstart Center.
At the age of 37, Rita completed the Burrell Hospital Nursing Program. This achievement gave her the opportunity to become a floor nurse at Lewis Gale Hospital and the Veteran's Hospital in Salem, Va. In May of 1966, Rita became the blushing bride of Lynwood Welcher. Two children, Karen and Kristal, were born to this union.
In addition to her parents, her brothers, John E. Walker and Clinton Walker preceded Rita in death. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Lynwood Welcher, of Roanoke, Va.; two daughters, Karen (William) Hackley, of Houston, Texas, and Kristal Welcher, Roanoke, Va.; two grandsons, Christian Alexander and Caidan Adam Hackley, of Houston, Texas; two sisters, Carolyn (Troy) Weaver, of Northern Virginia, and Joyce Walker, of Maryland; two brothers, Willard Walker (Viola), of Northern Virginia, and Alan Walker (Cheryl), of California; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and devoted friends.
Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, December 4, 2009, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church with Father Rene' R. Castillo officiating. The interment will be in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. Friends may call on Thursday afternoon, December 3, 2009, for viewing at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Welcher
Nikki Bonds
December 7, 2009
To Kristal & Family,
Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Look to God for peace & understanding. May God Bless You Always!
Gordon Bonds and Family (Nikki)
richard rhett
December 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Richard Rhett
December 4, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
odell drew jr.
December 3, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Wali Jihad
December 3, 2009
To Lynwood and family, God loves you, and we do too at Ebony Barber Salon.
May Peace Be With You.
Nicole Carrington
December 3, 2009
To The Welcher family
I've had the pleasure to meet your wife and mother. Her smile and warm heart made me feel welcomed in her present. One word that fits her to me is Beautiful inside and out.Deepest sympathy.Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers
Tarra Johnson (Kasey)
December 3, 2009
Kristal and Karen (and family),
I pray for you peace and courage during this time of grief. My prayers are with you always. God Bless!
Brenda S. Miller
December 3, 2009
To the Welcher/Walker Families.
It is with profound sadness that we express our sympathy in the lost of your loved one; yet, in time your fond memories will comfort you knowing she's resting peacefully upon the Savior's breast. She's joined loved ones and is truly free in her eternal home with only joy, love. peace and happiness.
One day all Christians will join together for that great reunion. As lifetime neighbors on Madison Ave.we have many fond memories. Love to each of you and remember I'm a phone call away. (540) 977-6887
Lovingly Brenda on behalf of the Hamlar family.
December 3, 2009
To The Walker-Welcher Families:
May God's loving promises to comfort you give you strength as you walk through the times of bereavement.
May fond memories of Rita give you everlasting joy and happiness.
Rita was a beautiful person with an exuberant personality and a glowing smile.
"'I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.'" John 14:18
In Christian Love,
Angeline Long Jones
Krista Blakeney
December 2, 2009
Kristal and Family,
I was so sad to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
~Krista
Constanza Akerson-Brown & the Girls
December 2, 2009
The Welcher family-
A mere 'Thank You' seems inadequate for sharing your mother and wife with so many of us. She gave of herself as if we were her own. Laughter, smiles, tears, we shared them all.
Please know that we are all thinking of you and loving you.
Brenda Shermona Kasey-Peaks
December 2, 2009
Dear Welcher and Walker Families:
Please accept my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I will always remember her beautiful smile.
Gayle Crockett-Muse
December 2, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Rashaan Vaughn
December 2, 2009
Kristal and Family,
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. I will always remember Rita's loving smile and her caring ways. I have many fond memories of both her and Lynwood. Please rely on your beautiful memories to help ease your pain and know that she will live on in your hearts forever. My deepest condolences are with you all as you grieve.
With much love, Rashaan Vaughn
Ronnie & Shirley Law
December 2, 2009
To the Welcher and Walker Families
We are sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She is in a better place where there is no more suffering or pain. We all will miss her smiling face. You are in thoughts and our prayers.
Brian H. & Joyce M. Davis
December 2, 2009
To the Walker and Welcher Families, you have our heartfelt condolences and prayers in your loss. May God comfort you in your bereavement and in the future.
Mauricia (Charlton) Murphy
December 2, 2009
Karen and Welcher Family,
I remember your mom and her lovely smile. Take comfort in knowing that she is at peace. Remember the good times and know God will give you the strength to endure.
December 2, 2009
To Lyn, Karen, Kristal and family, Rita was a beautiful wife and mother and a friend to all. My family will truly miss her. My girls will always remember the wonderful Christmas tree trimming parties and teas that she hosted. She was a true gem. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. We will keep you in our prayers.
Janis, Shana and Krystle Waller
December 2, 2009
To the Welcher famlily,
May God continue to strenghten you in your time of need. Rita has gone to the glory land to be with loved ones...no more pain or sorrow. She will always be here with you as you carry on your walk in life and at the end of that journey she be there waiting on you with open arms. Cherish the memories until that day. She will be deepily missed. Donna Tasha Danielle and Jason
Donna Lewis-Nance
December 2, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Eugene & Sharon Carrington
December 1, 2009
To the Walker/Welcher families: We are extending our heartfelt sympathy to you and believing that you be strengthened each day with the thoughts of knowing God loves you and we love you and are keeping you in our prayers.
December 1, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to Mrs.Welcher's family and friends.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Steven Anama and Staff
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