ROSE WELSH

Wasilla resident Rose Marie Welsh, 63, died July 1, 2005, at Valley Hospital in Palmer. An informal memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 9, at her family's Big Lake home.

Mrs. Welsh was born June 25, 1942, in Camas, Wash. She attended college in Anchorage and earned a degree in alcohol and drug rehabilitation.

Mrs. Welsh originally came to Alaska in 1960, residing in Ketchikan until she left in 1964. She came back to Alaska in 1976, negotiating the rugged Alcan Highway with her five children and family dog -- her husband later joined her in Anchorage. She has resided in Wasilla since 1980. She volunteered to her community through the Alano Club, church activities, political campaigning and other organizations.

Her family wrote, "She was a loving mother, grandmother and daughter. She will be deeply missed by all. She was well-known in her life for her many hours of volunteering to her community until she became ill and struggled with emphysema and a rare lung disease that ended her life.

"Her enjoyment throughout her lifetime included making quilts, afghans, beaded jewelry and many other crafts for her children, grandchildren and other family members and friends.

"She especially enjoyed spending time out at Diamond Lake at her brother's family home in Big Lake, where she enjoyed many family outings, fishing and many times just enjoying the lake's peaceful view."

Her son, Scott, said, "Watching my mother struggle through her emphysema help me quit my own smoking habit. My fondest memory of my mother growing up is how I always managed to get her laughing about the crazy things I did and she could never stay mad at me long." Her daughter, Billie, said, "I have lost more than a mother. I have lost my best friend. Although I'll miss her presence, my heart is filled with fond and joyful memories. She expressed the truest meaning of unconditional love. She will always be with me. "

Her daughter, Sandy, said, "Our kids always savored our hot chocolate Saturday with their grandmother, and we will remember the laughs we all shared."

Her friend, Marna, said, "This world is a better place with her in it."

Her family also wrote, "Mom always looked forward to her time spent with her caregiver and friend, Noreen."

She was preceded in death by her father, Floyde E. Margeson Sr.; husband, Darrel R. Welsh, and stepson, Dirk Welsh.

She is survived by her mother, Dorothy L. Margeson; brother, Floyde E. Margeson Jr.; sons, Forrest A. Miles Jr., Scott A. Miles, Jeremy J. Welsh, and stepson, Jeff Welsh; daughters, Sandra K. Ebbs and Billie R. Welsh, and stepdaughters, Sheri McGinnes and Jovena; 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 520452, Big Lake, AK, 99652.

Anyone who wishes to send flowers or get directions to the service, is asked to call 892-8407 or 354-4882.