Welch, Karen S. 1940-2025 Springfield, Mo.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -Karen (Richie) Welch went to be with the Lord Sept. 21, 2025.

Survived by her loving husband of 42 years, L.T. Welch; and her three children, Curtis Chase, of Springfield, Missouri, Darline Smith and (Brian), of Monticello, Arkansas, Rick Chase and (Tammi), of Mobile, Alabama.

Karen was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She has two brothers, Roy Richie, of Dearborn, Missouri and Jack Richie, St Joseph.

Karen was proceeded in death by her mother, Gertrude Richie Alexander; two brothers, Robert Richie, Agency, Missouri, and Harold Alexander, of St. Joseph; two sisters, Darlene Smith, Kansas City, Missouri, and Betty Thomas of St. Joseph.

Extended families include stepchildren, Jeff Welch and (Beth), of Kingswood, Texas, Lori Welch, of Carthage, Missouri, and Greg Welch and (Beth), of Kingswood.

She loved the colors blue and pink and was an avid reader and was a blessing to her children and grandchildren and an inspiration to all that met her. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.