Oleva Vella Welch passed from this life Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at her daughter's residence in Duncan, Oklahoma, at the age of ninety-five. She was born July 4, 1909, in Randlett, Oklahoma, to Frank and Annabelle Tarter.

Oleva Tarter married Charles Bacel Welch December 9, 1929, in Ringling, Oklahoma. She was a longtime member of the Church of Christ, and a lifetime member of the Moran Home Extension Club.

Survivors include: one son - Jack Welch of Comanche, OK; one daughter - Wanda Welch Johnson of Duncan, OK; three grandchildren - Dan Johnson of Choctaw, OK, Susan Johnson of Duncan, OK, and Jewelie Ann Welch of Janisville, WS; two great-grandchildren - Brian and Sara Lynn Johnson of Choctaw, OK; two sisters-in-law - Stetta Tarter of Healdton, OK, and Jewel Tidwell and her husband Randell of Comanche, OK; one grand-daughter-in-law - Marga Johnson of Choctaw, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mrs. Welch were at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 25, 2005, at the Dudley Funeral Home Chapel in Comanche, with Dow Pannell officiating. Burial was in the Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home of Comanche.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Red River Hospice, Ray of Hope Church or Tipton Children's Home.