1936-2025
Wilma Josephine “Billie Jo” Welsh, 89, of Big Run, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at DuBois Nursing Home.
She was born in Big Run on June 2, 1936, a daughter of William Dalton Haag and Earla Maude (Ketler) Haag.
Billie Jo was a lifetime member of the former St. Phillips United Methodist Church of Big Run. She was actively involved in Bible Study, Bible School and Good News Club. Her concern was always for the children, she enjoyed teaching lessons, showing kindness, and faith in everything she did for the youth.
On July 3, 1954, she married Lyle Arthur “Zoog” Welsh. They enjoyed fifty-nine years of marriage prior to his death on July 21, 2013.
Mrs. Welsh worked as a secretary in the Brockway and Punxsutawney School Districts.
She was a founding member of the Big Run Beta Sorority, an organization that provided Christmas, Easter and Halloween events for the local children, as well as other community. Her life was centered around caring for others, she lovingly cared for her parents and sister as their lives drew to a close.
One of her enjoyments in life was swimming. She previously liked to swim at Clay Bank and Parker Dam, most recently she enjoyed sitting near the water to watch the children swim and play.
She is survived by five children, Doug (Jane) Welsh of Guys Mills, Paul (Gina) Welsh, Bruce (Robin) Welsh of Stump Creek, David (Donna) Welsh of Philipsburg and Susan Welsh of Newville; four grandchildren, Joshua Welsh, Holly, Monica and Alex Welsh; one great grandchild, Robert Paul Welsh, Jr.; one brother, Robert (JoAnn) Haag of Sandy Hook, Connecticut.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband Lyle; two grandchildren, Bobby and Angela Welsh; one sister, Kathryn Huey.
Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Big Run.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Peggy Senior.
Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Big Run.
Online condolences may be made at www.shumakerfh.com
