Obituary of Cecelia Welch
Cecelia Beth Call Welch, 80, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2022 in her home in Picture Rocks.
Cecelia was born on May 2, 1942 in Seattle, Washington to Tracey Gillette and Viola Ruth (Clifton) Call. Her father's educational and career pursuits carried the young family to 16 different homes in eight states during her youth, including Corona, CA, where she graduated as Valedictorian from Corona Senior High School in 1959.
While studying Pharmacy at the University of Utah, she met and married Max J Orme of St. Anthony, ID on September 8, 1960 in Salt Lake City. She graduated cum laude in 1963. The couple welcomed five children into their family and also lived in Juneau, AK and Gig Harbor, WA. Cecelia enjoyed a wide range of activities, from singing, acting, and photography to outdoor activities including archery, fishing, hiking, hunting, and gardening. She was a devoted mother who taught her children the value of education, love of music, and love of God. She worked as a registered pharmacist for 38 years and had a reputation as a conscientious and compassionate professional.
She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She cherished her heritage as a descendent of pioneer ancestors who crossed the plains in handcarts and wagons. She served in many different church callings beginning at the age of 12 when she was called to conduct the music in her congregation's sacrament services. She would go on to serve either as a church pianist, music chairman, or choir director for most of her life. She also taught children and youth in various capacities, including 11-year-old Boy Scouts and high school students in early morning Seminary.
The course of her life changed when Max developed pancreatic cancer and passed away on March 16, 1998. She met widower William Leonard Welch of Tucson through an online matchmaking service and the two hit it off immediately. She and Bill were married on January 15, 1999 in Tucson. Cecelia left behind the Pacific Northwest and loved both her new husband and her new home in the Sonoran Desert. Together with Bill she fulfilled her lifelong desire to serve a volunteer church mission in Tonga from January 2001 to June 2002. In Tonga the couple worked at the Liahona High School where Cecelia taught piano classes and worked as a librarian. After their mission, they built their dream home in Picture Rocks where they enjoyed hosting a steady stream of family and friends.
In her golden years in Arizona, Cecelia enjoyed quilting, rockhounding, collecting Native American art and implements, and watching University of Arizona sports with Bill, but it was family history research that was her greatest passion. She spent countless hours identifying and learning about her ancestors and helping others to do the same. She was a prolific journal writer throughout her life and wrote her life story for her posterity. She was a kind and gracious soul who saw the best in people and made everyone feel welcome.
She is survived by her loving husband Bill, children Clifton (Lori) Orme, Bryan (Chandra) Orme, Celia (Troy) Fielding, Camille Segeberg, and Evan (Amy) Orme, 20 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, brother Robert (Patsy) Richins, sisters Cynthia (Dale) Nielsen, Anita Call, and Julia (David) Bird. She counted Bill's family as her own, and is also survived by children David (Heidi) Welch, Lois (Warren) Wimmer, Anita (Ernie) Busby, Ginger (Mark) Turner, and Lorin (Stephanie) Welch, 27 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3500 West Sumpter Drive in Tucson. She will be interred at the Binghampton Cemetery in Tucson. Arrangements by Bring Funeral Home.
