Ellen Welles Obituary
Raleigh
Ellen Mordecai Welles of 9317 Macon Rd., Raleigh, NC, died Saturday, April 19, after several years of declining health beginning with a stroke in 2008. She was 89. Married for 58 years to Paul Welles, Jr., deceased, Mrs. Welles is survived by one brother, George Washington Mordecai, Jr., and wife Nancy Wood Mordecai of Edenton, NC; her six children: Lane Welles Elkin and husband Barry Elkin of Littleton, NC, Elizabeth Galt Welles and partner Leland Nehring of Auburn, AL, Ellen Mordecai Welles of Asheville, NC, Paul Welles, III, and wife Nancy Dickerson Welles of Oriental, NC, Shepherd Faison Welles of Raleigh, NC and fiancée Lauren Casey, and Jeffery Galt Welles and partner Gareth Gair of Brewster, NY. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Carl Bilton Hammond, Jr. and wife Rachel Hammond of Lexington, SC, Amanda Hammond Wright and husband Cleveland Wright of Charleston, SC, Caroline Welles and Jacqueline Welles of Oriental, NC. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren.
Born and raised in Raleigh and a direct descendant of Raleigh's founding Mordecai family, Mrs. Welles earned a Bachelors Degree from Duke University and taught English briefly at Peace College. However, she is perhaps best known for her many years as a swimming instructor at Hayes Barton Swimming Pool and more than 40 years as a horseback riding instructor, mostly at Triton Stables, the hunt-seat riding establishment she founded in Raleigh in 1969. It has been said of Ellen that she taught half of Raleigh to swim and the other half to ride! Ellen and her husband also founded Camp Triton in Littleton, NC, and operated it from 1968-1972. Mrs. Welles was honored by her peers in the North Carolina Hunter-Jumper Association as Horsewoman of the Year and with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beloved by many, Mrs. Welles reveled in the out of doors and tirelessly urged her children and students to work hard, be tough, and achieve greatness in all their endeavors. All six of her children have followed in her footsteps by becoming teachers: Lane teaches at Vaughan Elementary School in NC, Elizabeth is a professor at Auburn University, Ellen teaches at AB Tech in Asheville, NC, Paul is the proprietor of Triton Yacht Sales Inc., Shep is proprietor of Triton Stables, and Jeffery is proprietor of Triton Ventures Farm Inc. in NY.
The family will receive friends and family at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home at 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC on Tuesday, April 23 from 6:30-8:00 P.M.
The funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. Wednesday, April 24, at Christ Episcopal Church, 120 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC followed by a reception at the church. The family will have a private burial at Oakwood Cemetery at 1:15 P.M.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 19, 2013
My Dear Welles Cousins, Aunt Ellen was one of a kind. I loved her stubborness and her love of live. She taught me to never give up and to get back on that horse and ride. I have applied that lesson to many of my challenges in life. I love all the picyures, you all did a great ,job in honoring her life. She would be proud. Love Carla Schwab
John Pearson
May 10, 2013
An energizer - never a dull moment with Aunt Ellen present! A life well lived.
Vic Barbee
May 9, 2013
Some people you know will never die. Ellen Welles is a person that touched your life and never left you. She will always live in the heart of every equestrian who was ever fortunate enough to find themselves in a riding ring with her.
Dougie Mutch
April 25, 2013
My condolences go out to the entire Welles family and especially to Jeffrey with whom I have remained closest throughout our lives. Your Mom was a great lady. When thinking of her it only brings a smile to my face as she was such a large part of so many growing up in the show horse world. She will be sorely missed here on earth but rest assured she will most definately be watching over us from above.
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April 24, 2013
We are sorry to learn of Mrs. Welles' passing. We remember her as ageless and indestructible.
To our children, Tanya and Sylvia, she gave a second home and taught them responsibility. Every day after school we would head down Macon Road to Triton Stables to leave the girls there. There the afternoon hours would be filled with caring or exersing a particular horse, taking a riding lesson, cleaning tack, or playing with the dogs. It was generally a time outdoors, to relax after a day of school, before getting to the day's homework. Mrs. Welles was there to encourage them and to guide them. For us as parents, we always felt comfortable to know that the children were in good hands, enjoying being with horses and, most importantly, they were safe with Mrs. Welles.
Tanya in particular earned Mrs. Welles respect by being able to manage and control difficult horses. It started with the pony "Strawberry". Strawberry was so much on Tanya's mind that at times it seemed that the pony had become a member of our family.
As time went on, Mrs. Welles would take Tanya along when a sick horse would have to be taken to the veterinary school hospital. We suspect these visits and the subsequently required care of the "patient" horse ultimately led to Tanya's choosing to become a veterinarian. Her passion for horses prevails to this day. Outside her professional work as a veterinarian, Tanya operates a farm where she keeps her horses and trains horses for others.
For her role in helping to shape the future of our daughters, we are forever grateful and indebted to Mrs. Welles.
Our thoughts are with all of you. Walter and Elke von Rieck-Whaley (Raleigh, NC)
Stacy Chadwell
April 24, 2013
It pains me that I wasn't able to know Mrs. Welles, but I see her impact on the entire Triton Family, and it is very apparent that she was an influential and strong woman. My thoughts and condolences are with the entire family.
Robert & Kathy (Leach) Fife
April 24, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Her spirit will continue in the hearts and minds of all who knew her and will always be remembered with love. Requiescat in pace.
Lori Hurley
April 24, 2013
I was 10 when I first met Mrs. Welles, and I wouldn't be the rider or woman I am today without her. 25 years later I still remember the lessons she taught me, as they are applicable through out all life, especially the "you don't let a little fall stop you from getting up and trying again". I seriously would have stopped riding after falling off Sousa so much if it wasn't her, "No bones sticking out, and you are conscience?" way of not letting you give up. The lesson stuck so much that when I DID break my leg riding - a number of years later - my first thought was, "Well, I guess I'm not showing tomorrow", then, "Wonder when I'll be able to ride again".
I believe she really saw potential in us and rooted it out (like she saw uneaten food in the trash and wouldn't let it go to waste!). She was someone you thought would live forever, and she will in the place she carved for herself in each of our hearts.
Valerie Van Pelt Hunt
April 24, 2013
I can still hear her yelling, "Use your legs, use your legs!!" She was truly one of a kind. I have so many great memories from Triton, from my two lessons a week, to tearing down the dirt road on a horse back to the barn, cantering through the woods and jumping the jumps we made, Sooner the rock hound and Peanut Butter, doing gymnastics in the front yard, cleaning tack on the picnic table in the tack room where I learned to take apart and put a bridle back together, lapping the pond on Twice Around at a high rate of speed 'til I learned to not let him run away with me, to teaching the beginners on ponies. I remember how we all cried at the camp reunion where we were told that the previous summer of camp was to be the last summer of Camp Triton. And the adventure of going to pick up my first horse in Virginia Beach with Mrs. Welles old brown truck and trailer. God only knows what was traveling in that back seat with us! So many great memories, and of course Mrs. Welles was at the center of all of them. She will be truly missed, but she will live on in my memories forever!
Johnny Barker
April 24, 2013
What a wonderful women Many fond memories
Elizabeth Gardner
April 24, 2013
What an incredible woman Mrs. Welles was! I started riding at Triton when I was eight learned wonderful lessons about responsibility and determination from Mrs. Welles. Her patience was incredible. I wish I knew how many times I fell off and she barked "get back up on that pony!" When we would finally get it right she would yell "hot dog!" across the ring. Boy how that made your day. She taught me that I could do anything with a little hard work and perserverance. It was a great life lesson and I owe her so much for that. We will miss her greatly. Shep it was wonderful to see you. My daughter is 7 now and it's about time for some of those good Welles' lessons for her. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Welles family.
Stuart
April 23, 2013
Ingredients for happiness: Grilled cheese sandwiches on raisin bread, riding Christy, learning how to swim the old fashioned way, trying to keep up with Jeffrey & Skip-there was magic on Birnamwood Road and you made it. I have thought of you and told fond stories about you more than you would believe--You are a legend and an inspiration to me. I hope you are surrounded with lots of animals and kids to teach! Love always, Stuart Hubbard
Siobhan Mukerji
April 23, 2013
When I was ten years old I was asked to write an essay about my hero. I chose to write about my riding instructor, Mrs. Welles. I loved her tough love—I knew a compliment from Mrs. Welles really meant something. I am so thankful I was able to spend part of my childhood under the guidance of Ellen Welles. The happiest days of my childhood were spent trotting at her heel like one of her many jack russels, watching how such an amazing woman went about her life and soaking in every tidbit of knowledge she shared with me. Every day I try to be the person I was when Mrs. Welles was near me to bring out my best. Every day I am inspired by the woman who even in her 80s would hop on a horse during lessons to show me how it is done. She has made a lasting impact on my and so many other lives—Mrs. Welles is still and always will be my hero.
Sue Hall and Emma Hall Kessel
April 23, 2013
We came to Triton when Emma was five. While Emma was having her first posting lessons, Mrs. Welles encouraged me to dust off my old saddle from my high school Pony Club years, and start riding again. Emma's formative years were spent at Triton, soaking up Mrs. Welles's energy and "get back on that horse" philosophy of life. I was able to rekindle a former passion that I had thought was over.
I remember how Mrs. Welles would yell for Panda while honking the van's horn. The other dogs would already be in the back seats. Soon Panda would come tearing down the hill, and Mrs. Welles's face would light up. That is how I see her now, reunited with the loved ones who went before her, both human and four-legged.
Thank you for everything, Mrs. Welles.
Anita Jelley
April 23, 2013
I first met Ms. Welles in the 90's when I purchased my mare Wendy. She "interviewed" me and "put me through my paces" on the horse before she would even consider me as a potential owner. I apparently passed the test and still own Wendy (now Lady) to this day.
The welfare of her animals was always a priority for Ms. Welles, and we grew to love and respect her over the years as we spent many happy days at the Triton Horse shows, lesson programs and summer camps. Ms. Welles was an important part of our lives for many years and I am grateful for the many happy memories and lessons learned. We all miss Ms. Welles but shall remember her always. Our condolences to her family.
Marlene Gay
April 23, 2013
Mrs. Welles has left an indelible mark on many lives of those who spent time at Triton Stables. I respected her. I respected her determination, perseverence, love of animals and nature, her belief in all children being capable and equal and her belief in exercise being healthy for the soul as well as the body. I have so many vivid memories of my time spent with her and near her, observing her. Her spirit will be with me always. My thoughts are with her family in their time of loss. Marlene Gay
Mary Eshelman
April 23, 2013
I remember so fondly all of the years we spent at Triton stables. Mrs. Welles was such an important part of our lives back then. I do not know where the years have gone. Please know how much we are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Dotty and Don Roberts
April 23, 2013
Mrs.Welles was gifted at building character and determination among her students and was a positive influence on everyone who came in contact with her,whether they realized it or not. No age was beyond her mentoring. We appreciate the memories and so many of life's lessons learned at her side. Our condolences to all the family.
Isabelle Butt
April 23, 2013
I loved Mrs Welles's strong personality. She lived her life with passion. She loved children and animals. My daughters had the best time of their youth at Triton Stables and for this, I am forever grateful to Mrs Welles. We'll always remember her fondly.
My condolences to her family,
Isabelle Butt
jackie savage
April 23, 2013
It was 1962 and our family of five had just moved into a house on Birnamwood Rd. A couple of the neighbors had pressed a call in the convention manner to welcome us . Very nice .... The next neighbor I met appeared in my back yard on a horse holding a little baby and smoking a pipe !This was my introduction to Ellen Welles . I had never met anyone like her and have not since .
Ellen took me and my family under her wing . She and Paul took us to church , she taught my kids to ride and swim . We were only neighbors for four years,but because we lived down the street from the Welles, we were exposed to so many fun things . There was always something going on and we were lucky to be included . Ellen even induced me to become a Brownie leader and after that she and I had a girl scout troop together !Camping was not my thing , but Ellen insisted it would be fun ....it was !
My fourth child was born during that time and I have photos of her with the German Shepherd Puppy that Ellen gave us .She was always inclusive , always a cheer leader, and generous .
So mny wonderful memories of a very special lady ...and her family.
Our love and sympathy to all .Jackie ( Hubbard ) Savage, Anne , Corydon , Stuart ,and Mary
Mark Bozick
April 23, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the Welles family.
Sally and Emilee Dombrowski
April 23, 2013
I remember the first time we met Ellen. This little wisp of a woman came charging out of the barn, threw the reins in Emilee's hands and immediately put me to work. It didn't change for 18 years. We will miss her, but she has left a piece of herself in everyone of the people she came in contact with. Our thoughts and prays are with the Welles and Triton families.
Amy Macris
April 23, 2013
Mrs. Welles was truly an outstanding woman. I feel I was privileged to get to know her through Triton Stables, thought only briefly. The wisdom and strength of character that led her to achieve so much and touch the lives of so many was immediately evident on meeting her and she was a great pleasure to converse with. It warms my heart to see that her children are continuing her legacy. My heart goes out to the family and friends in their time of loss. <3
Amanda Weber
April 22, 2013
The amount of influence Mrs. Welles had on my life cannot be summed up in this box. She was much larger than that to all of us. Triton camp was a savior for my summers, and I'm sure a savior to my parents wit. I remember going through the ranks of school ponies: Alderon and Flopsie, Jake and Hands, Oreo and Rosie, Pippin and Blue. She was always so sure of herself, and she passed that on to all of her students. She didn't mind throwing us on some random horse and sending us into a ring half blind. My favorite memory of her was bracing and waiting for the "slam on the breaks to shut the door" method while driving down the driveway on the way to the pool. I loved those dogs, I loved those horses, but most of all, I loved her. My thoughts are with her family as she returns back to those animals she lost while she was busy teaching us so much down here.
Ann Savage
April 22, 2013
I was sadden to hear of the loss of Ellen. We shared many hunter/jumper teaching adventures. My condolencs to Jeffrey, Shep, Lane, Ellen, Paul and Betsy.
Kimberly Calhoun
April 22, 2013
I have lit a candle since I learned of your death and it will stay lit until your funeral. A prayer each day and night will be said for you and your family. May the heavens know that you are an angel here on earth too.
Kimberly Calhoun
April 22, 2013
She was not just a pillar of our community, she was the whole house and yard. Her legacy will carry on for generations. She taught old school values of respect and honor and most important love and forgiveness. If a child could not find a ride to the barn she would make arrangements to pick them up. She would be up at before dawn for the horse shows, work all day and then dance all night, she put us youngins to shame. She loved her children, all of the thousands she taught over the years. We would call her van the Puppy van, she always had dogs crawling all over it when she was driving, even on the dash board. She always made me smile. Heavens gain is our loss. We will always love you Mrs. Welles.
Teresa Sutter
April 22, 2013
Shepard (and family)...I'm sorry for your loss...I loved mrs. Welles and triiton...she was triton...she taught my girls to ride and appreciate horses..then she handed them over to you to advance them another level...we have loss a great woman but heaven has gained an special angel!
Bora Zivkovic
April 22, 2013
When I first arrived in the States in 1991, as my home-country was breaking up in the flames of war, Mrs Welles took me in, gave me food, shelter, job...but that sounds too prosaic. Really, she was my American mother, she took me in as family, as one more of her kids. Living in her home for about two years, sharing her food at her dinner table (with the extended family including cats and dogs), getting adopted by at least one of her many Jack Russell Terriers. It was at her home that I first met Catharine who soon became my wife... a little over 20 years ago. We visited Mrs. Welles a couple of months ago in the hospital. She could not really talk or remember much, but she almost broke my hand when she pinched it - decades of working with horses made her strong. She will be missed by so many in North Carolina and beyond. I bet even angels sometimes need to be reminded to push the heels down, sit up straight and kick! Love you, Miss Welles!
Karen Hollingsworth Miller
April 22, 2013
Jeffrey and Shep,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. Burr and Caroline keep me somewhat in touch with the horse world. She was a unique and tough woman and I always admired her tenacity. She and Nora Cooke were from the same era and reminded me so much of each other with all those ponies and children at the horse shows. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Love, Karen Hollingsworth Miller
Whitney Brown
April 22, 2013
Mrs.Welles..salt of the earth.The reflection of her beloved JRTs,she took life by the tail and shook it.My deepest sympathies to Shep and The Welles Family.
Wesie Robb
April 21, 2013
Can't you just see Ellen Welles throwing those gumballs at Watchfob to make him trot?? What a treat to have known this impressive woman. Thoughts and prayers to Shep, Jeffrey, Ellen and the rest.
Pam (Savage) Sturbaum
April 21, 2013
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. Welles passing. She will always hold a dear place in my heart and in my childhood memories. My love of horses and horseback riding continues to this day... one which I now share with my own daughters. My condolences to Shep and Jeffery as well as the entire family.
Jan Rubenstein
April 21, 2013
I often look back fondly on my short time riding at Triton stables while in college at NC State nearly 40 years ago (Betsy, you may not remember me but we had some pre-vet classes together). Mrs Welles immediately welcomed me into the barn family. She was a wonderful teacher and gave me so much confidence in myself. I know she will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to the family.
Tony Albertson
April 21, 2013
Shep and Jeffrey. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. What a great woman your mom was.
April 21, 2013
I met Mrs. Welles years ago when I bought a horse from Triton Stables, Frank was a big beautiful TB and Mrs Welles would not sell him to anyone else because she knew that we had a bond. She use to tell people that would ask about him "I can't sell that horse to anyone but that little girl cause that horse loves her". My dad also lessoned with Mrs Welles, when he was younger and went to camp with Mr. Welles. A great person, she will truly be missed.
Mary Helen Sifford
April 21, 2013
I met Mrs. Welles when I was 16 and during the entire time that I rode at Triton she always welcomed me into her home just like a member of the family. Words cannot express how much she meant to me or the influence she had on my life. Mrs. Welles was an amazing woman, teacher and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Lane, Betsy, Ellen, Paul, Shep, Jeffery and their families.
Shannon Wuensch
April 21, 2013
You were my teacher back when I was a little child, and you were so strong, inspirational, and motivating. I haven't had lessons from you since I was a little kid, but, I still remember the impact you made while you were here. I can't wait to see you in heaven :)
Karen MacKethan St.Clair
April 21, 2013
Mrs. Welles, I can still see you, driving down Macon road, with four furry passengers. I can hear your soft chuckle as you share a story around the barn. I feel the determination that you instilled when you ordered, "Get up, and get back on your pony!" I savor the passion for horses that you ignited in my heart. I thank you, for these gifts, and for the lessons you have shared with so many others too. I extend my thoughts and prayers to your family and friends.
gennie bose
April 21, 2013
went to may wonderful shows at her place
so sorry for your loss
Gennie Bose & Anna Allen
Glenn Petty
April 21, 2013
We've lost a great Matriarch and friend of the horse world! But she leaves a legacy of having connected many a child with the outside of a horse and we all know the importance of that. Triangle Farms and Joan and I will forever cherish the fond memories and friendship over the years. Joan even going back pre-horses to the swimming days. Ellen was always Mrs. Welles to me out of respect. For raising a wonderful family, being a leader in the horse industry, and being part of a historic Raleigh family. Rest in peace!
Angela Ma
April 21, 2013
Mrs. Welles and the Welles family touched my life so deeply. I'm a more honest and fearless horsewoman, teacher and mother because of her. She touched so many lives; I just feel so luck to be one of them.
Jeanne Cross
April 21, 2013
There is no greater horsewoman than Ellen Welles. She was a wonderful, tough but fair woman. She will be greatly missed. I am sure she had a herd of horses and Jack Russells meet her at the Rainbow Bridge! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Jeanne Cross
Veronica Phillips
April 21, 2013
Mrs. Welles inspired me and countless others to achieve greatness both in and outside of the riding ring. She remains one of the most influential people in my life, and I feel so incredibly blessed to have known her and her family.
April 21, 2013
So sorry for your loss!
Sincerely
Bunny French
Claudia Partin
April 21, 2013
Mrs. Wells inspired me to get back into horses, got my daughter riding and to this day we still have horses and ride often. She was the strongest, toughest and most dedicated woman I have ever known, with a zest for life that was inspiring. Those of us that knew her were honored. Prayers and thanks to her family for sharing her.
Becky (Elleman) Hodge
April 21, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to all of the Welles family. Memories of my years at Triton stables and at Camp Triton are fond ones, and I can still hear Mrs Welles telling me in no uncertain terms to 'get back on that horse' after every fall. It is advice that has stood me in good stead under many circumstances. My thoughts are with you all.
Betty Trustman
April 21, 2013
Anyone who knew Ellen Welles recognized her as a force of nature. She inspired me because she never doubted her ability to be in control of her fate. Her heart was always with her students, her horses and her dogs. I can still see her walking around the barn with her big bowl of salad sharing it with her Jack Russells, feeding them with her fork. Rest in peace, Ellen. Your life really counted.
April 21, 2013
Rarely does a woman leave such a positive, indelible mark on so many young lives. She was the epitome of a dedicated teacher, showed a passion for all animals, and always put others before self.
I remember a particular Thanksgiving (2001?). Kristen had recently started riding at Triton. Early that morning, Mrs. Welles called and told me to bring Kristen down to the barn around 11 because she thought it would be good for her to get in extra saddle time. I asked her about her Thanksgiving dinner preparations. She replied "oh, no problem. I'll get it done. The family's not coming over for a couple of hours." Those who know and loved her as we have realize that "no" was not an acceptable answer, so I stalled my cooking, and took Kristen to the barn. She rode for an hour with Mrs. Welles instructing every step of the way.
I also recall a time about a month after my husband performed Mrs. Welles' heart surgery. He drove to Triton to retrieve Kristen after an afternoon riding lesson, and, as he approached the barn, saw Mrs. Welles ON THE ROOF OF THE BARN. He quickly scolded her for being on the roof, while still recovering from surgery. She told him she was fine, was making a needed repair, and didn't see a thing wrong with what she was doing.
The stories go on and on, along with memories that will never fade.
Mrs. Welles, we know you are already giving riding lessons, have bailing twine leashes on all the Jack Russell's, and have Panda close to your side, feeding him ice cream with your spoon. Heaven is a better place with you in it, and we are better for having had you in our lives.
With more love and appreciation for you than can be expressed,
Melinda & Charles Murphy
Annie Moore
April 21, 2013
It is an honor to have known Ellen Welles. My thoughts are with the family as they remember her.
Amy Bullock Pace
April 21, 2013
Mrs Welles
Thank you for your life here on earth and may heaven be graced with you.
Karen Bruce
April 21, 2013
Mrs. Welles was always so good to me as she was to everyone. I know there has been times I have said to myself what would Mrs. Welles do. She has impacted so many lives along with raising great kids. I will keep the Welles family in my prayers hoping the love of family and friends will get you through the passing of this wonderful lady.
sandy weinstein
April 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. What a great family you have. I remember your family from my many years of riding and showing in the Raleigh area.
Parker and Ed Minchin
April 21, 2013
To Ellen's family, Ed and I are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful family Ellen raised and how many lives Ellen touched. She leaves a legacy that will live on and on. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. We both are so happy that Ellen's name is on the NCHJA's Sandy Minchin Lifetime Achievement Trophy. May you find Peace and understanding and enjoy the great memories left behind.
Cheryl Sammons-Schwarz
April 21, 2013
Mrs Welles was my first life mentor in the late 70-80's, she started the flame in a young, unconfident girl to follow the dream of becoming an animal doctor! Mrs Welles, Paul, Shep, Ellen, Alvin, and Triton stables have never been forgotten in the deep imprint they all made on my lifesnd my heart! Amazing strong women loved deeply! Dr. Cheryl Sammons-Schwarz, DVM
lucy Rutter
April 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. What great influences they all were throughout my pony years. She was a great lady and will truely be missed. Love you all. Xoxoxo
Emma Conkling
April 21, 2013
She was a legend in the horse world that very few will ever forget. She was tough, the toughest woman I know, and she pushed you to be just as tough. She didn't let you quit when you were scared, she made you get right back up on that horse and keep going. Mrs. Welles was like a second mother to me for over a decade. I cried with her, had fights with her, and won with her as my trainer. I learned so many things from her like horsemanship, winning wasn't always everything, and that taking care of your pony or horse comes before yourself. She will always have a special place in my heart and memories. My heart goes out to Shep and all of the Welles family for their loss. I know that Mrs. Welles is up in the pastures of heaven, playing with her ponies, puppies and standing with her husband again.
Erin Jensen
April 21, 2013
A truly exceptional woman who will be missed by all of the children that she has raised over the years. I owe much of who I am to my life with horses and it all started with her. You will be missed!
Susan Gaines and Kate G Frost
April 21, 2013
There is no way to measure the influence that Mrs Welles had on our lives. My sincere condolances to Lane, Betsy, Ellen, Paul, Shep and Jeffery.
Sarah Floyd
April 21, 2013
Ellen and I shared many adventures with our ponies and kids! She was a wonderful and unique person.
Christine Casavant
April 21, 2013
Mama Welles was an amazing woman, who taught so many life lessons to so many.The Eshelman family sends thoughts and prayers to the entire Welles clan, and the entire Triton Stables family. She will be missed.
April 21, 2013
I send prayers for the Wells family! We so enjoyed horse showing with/against y'all when we were young! God Bless!
Laura Beckman Rodes
Marianne Taylor
April 20, 2013
Dear Welles Children - I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful and talented woman who raised a fine family. You all are in my prayers.
Annie Frazier
April 20, 2013
The world has lost an incredible woman who spent her life changing others' lives for the better. So many of my favorite childhood memories took place at Triton Stables, and I owe my entire riding career to having been taught early on by Mrs. Welles. She will be sorely missed.
Katherine and Charles Frazier
April 20, 2013
We were so lucky to have had Mrs. Welles in our lives. The Frazier family sends its condolences to Shep, Jeffrey, and all of the Welles family.
Linda Chamblee
April 20, 2013
Mrs. Welles was a remarkable woman who touched so many lives. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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