Michael Jeffrey Welshonce

Michael Jeffrey Welshonce, age 44, departed this life on January 3, 2026 in Richmond, VA. He is survived by his family, including Elizabeth and his beloved son, Clay – the light of his life. Mike loved Clay more than anything in the world and spoke proudly and often about his achievements to anyone who would listen. To Clay, Mike was not only the best dad and best friend, but also the very best "dingus," a title worn with love and laughter.
Mike is also survived by his parents, Jeff and Debbie Welshonce of Elkins, WV, and his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Carolyn Welshonce, and their children, Eben and Jack, of Wexford, PA. Eben and Jack, and the rest of the family, will especially miss the silly, perfectly timed text messages from "Unc," which never failed to bring laughter and smiles.
Mike was a graduate of Elkins High School, Class of 2000, and West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2004. He devoted his life to helping people. In Elkins, he was known for delivering groceries and changing lightbulbs for elderly neighbors, and for volunteering at the Randolph County Emergency Medical Services. Most recently, he continued his service as an employee of the Virginia Department of Social Services. Mike always rooted for the underdog and did what he could to help others.
In many ways, Mike himself was an underdog, having dealt with a number of significant health conditions over the years. He was the recipient of a kidney transplant in 2023 after two difficult years on dialysis. Even on the hardest days when plans unraveled and the future was uncertain, Mike maintained his quick wit and sharp sense of humor. Mike had a unique ability to see the humor among the challenges.
Mike's final act of service to the community and world was his donation of his body for future medical research. He certainly raised his eyebrows from above when he heard that his failing body could help others, but the rest of us are very grateful. For that, and for so much more, Mike will be deeply and profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church at Elkins on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The Reverend Doctor Ellis E. Conley will officiate and entombment will follow at the Maplewood Memorial Mausoleum at Elkins, WV. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is honored to be in charge of the arrangements for Michael Jeffrey Welshonce. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions in Mike's memory to the American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org), 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852..