Suzanne Welty

1934 - 2026

Suzanne Welty

Jan 1, 1934 - Feb 15, 2026

Suzanne Welty, of Pemberville, raised in Gibsonburg, and resided 60 years in New Rochester, OH, forming many lifelong friendships, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Otterbein Senior Living in Pemberville, where she had resided the past six years. She was born January 6, 1934, in Toledo, OH, to Norman and Ethel (Snyder) Swartz. Suzanne was blessed with two children from a previous marriage, having married Gene Welty in 1957.

She was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Rochester, where her ministries included: teaching Sunday School, choir, assisted with the quilts (that went to Africa) for Lutheran World Relief, and the shut-in ministry. She was also a member of Down-to-Earth Garden Club, and United Women's Educators. In addition, Suzanne enjoyed the outdoors, be it vegetable or flower gardening, working in her yard, exercising with daily walks and she was an avid reader. Her happiest enjoyment was spending time with her family.

Suzanne graduated from Gibsonburg High School in1952. She received her undergrad in education from Capital University, where she also was in the university choir, well known for her singing voice as a Mezzo-Soprano. She later received her Master's Degree in reading from Bowling Green State University. She began and ended her career as an elementary school teacher; in-between she served as a Title I Reading Coordinator with the State of Ohio beginning her career in Bowling Green and later spent 35 years with Maumee City Schools.

Suzanne is survived by her children, Carol C. (James) Biddle of Williamsburg, PA; and James A. Welty of Toledo, who was Suzanne's devoted caregiver the last 10 years; grandchildren, Sarrah (Alan) Lyons, Matthew (Rita) Biddle, Joshua (Amanda) Biddle, Zachary (Rachel) Biddle, all of Williamsburg, PA; 11 great-grandchildren, with a 12th on the way in June; brother, Paul (Sandi) Zimdars-Swartz of Lawrence, KS; and special niece, Dawn Kelly Brown of Findlay. Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Gene Welty.

The family would like to extend a thank you to all the nurses and caregivers in the Oakwood building at Otterbein Senior Living.

A fellowship gathering will be hosted in the church basement from 1:30-3:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 14545 New Rochester Rd., Pemberville, OH. Officiating will be Pastor Melanie Haack. Suzanne will be laid to rest at a family committal in Fish Cemetery, New Rochester, OH, at a later date.

Memorials can take the form of contributions to A Humane Society of the donor's choice, or Lutheran World Relief. On-line condolences can be shared with the family at www.marshfuneralhomes.com

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