Amanda Lynn Welch

"Every morning I wake up and read the obituaries. If my name isn't in it, then it's a good day." – GG
Well, Amanda Lynn Welch (affectionately known as Chop) missed a good day. She unexpectedly passed on May 12, 2025 after achieving her dream: seeing Kane Brown take his shirt off in person.
Standing tall at 4'10" (in platform flip-flops), Chop packed more life into her years than most people twice her height. She loved all things water, last-minute trips, concerts, Betty Boop, bowling, selfies, adventures with the kiddos and-most importantly-being in everyone's business.
She is preceded in death by her beloved Granny (Vera Farrell), who is likely already shuffling the cards and cautiously watching Amanda to see if she tries to stack 'em in a poor attempt to finally win a round.
Papa Earnie Welch who took us camping and taught us fishing-mostly by patiently waiting while we accidentally hooked ourselves instead of the fish.
Chop is survived by:
Her parents Ronald (Red) and Carla Grunwell, who still aren't sure where Amanda got her sass-but have some theories. And are probably still regretting giving me the honor of writing this.
Her greatest joys (and occasional sources of migraines) her three children: Madison Rae (21), Payton Mallory (15), and Camren James (13) –thoughtful, slightly feral, and weirdly resilient. Basically mini versions of herself with better snacks and attitudes.
Her beloved Nana, Virginia Welch (Max Roe) whom she wanted to age as gracefully as-minus the tai chi.
Aunt Rachel (Mark) Williams who always wears the best shoes (Rachel not Mark to clarify) that Amanda's toddler sized feet would never fit into.
Her cousins Jason and Gabriel Watson who played the big brother role making sure she knew how shrimpy she was compared to their stature.
Uncle Steve Welch who always guaranteed a motorcycle ride but was smart enough to not let her take it. Along with her cousin Jason Riemersma who was like a built in sibling along for all of the shenanigans.
Uncle Scott (Michelle) Welch and their son Nico. Chop is shaking her giant clown from above still trying to frighten y'all. Boo!
Fun Aunt Laura who always came prepared with an activity to entertain the kids, great advice and the best travel stories (especially this week). She was there the moment she was born, when she left and everything in between.
Her sister Andrea (& the world's best brother in law, Jaime) Avila, who finally delivered Amanda her favorite nephews (and the best reason to have social media).
Her sister Dawn (Ken) Wirt, who "dragged" her to Hot Boat Weekend even though Carla definitely wouldn't have approved. Nieces Lexi & Kylie Cook, always ready for Aunt Manda's chaotic surprise visits.
Bonus brothers Ronnie, Blake (Leeah-the one she lovingly called the unhinged bodyguard, always ready to throw hands on her behalf) and Kasey Grunwell. Three brothers she never wanted but glad she had the extra
sibling bullying. Along with her nieces & nephews.
Best friends Tammy & Randy Vander Berg, who brought her along for everything-including date nights, probably by accident. Always a call away just not with Manda on speaker. Her bonus nieces Kayleigh, Addison, Trinity, and Remi, who accepted their Auntie in all her wild glory but are saddened by the thought of getting "cheapy pizza" instead of Auntie making it for them.
"Bestie" Nikki Padilla, who convinced her bowling was a good place to meet men (it wasn't, but at least they had fun).
And her other best friend, Rachael Porter, who can finally stop cashing those parental bribes for sticking around all these years. Rachael's kids, Emily and Alex Peterlein, are at peace knowing she's safe from the legendary adventures their honorary Aunt use to talk their Mom into.
Amanda lived loud (even her ring tone was obnoxious - right, Red?), laughed often, and loved hard. If you ever shared a car ride (and didn't immediately seek counseling), a Betty Boop trinket, or hopefully never tried to take something off her plate-you were family and one of the lucky ones she let in close.
In lieu of flowers, take a spontaneous road trip, blast some Kane Brown, or loudly insert yourself into someone else's business-in her honor.
Help us give Amanda the attention she craved by joining us in a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 18th from 1pm-4pm at the Kent City American Legion Post 123. A donation box will be available Sunday. If you're unable to make it and wish to make a contribution to help support the kiddos, please send via mail to The Grunwell's 15023 Hannah Ave Cedar Springs, MI 49319.
I promised you I'd write your obituary but never thought I'd do it before Tammy, you and I moved into a friend compound and lived like the Golden Girls. I hope you see the gaping hole you left and promise we will do our best to fill it and keep your memory alive. Love you always, Rae
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