Karen Anne Welty's Obituary
Karen Anne Welty, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Ravenna, MI. She was born to John and Margaret (Stanfield) Hilton on February 3, 1948, in Detroit, MI. On July 15, 1972, she married the love of her life Lawrence “Larry” Welty and spent 44 wonderful years together before he passed. Karen enjoyed gardening and was known for her landscaping, loved to go camping and hiking, volunteered in the friendship ministry at church and taught Sunday school lessons, was very artistic and had an incredible memory for movies and actors. She was also very family focused and cared for them, including her dog Daphne who she would take on walks all the time. Karen is survived in death by her son: Lawrence (Heidi) Welty; grandchildren: Ashleigh, Meghan, Matthew, Isaac, Jack; sisters: Jeanne Shaffer, Janet (John) Stephens. She is preceded in death by her parents: John and Margaret Hilton; husband: Lawrence Welty; son: Brian Welty; brother: Edward Hilton; brother-in-law: Bill Shaffer and her dog, Daphne. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Hope Reformed Church, 1878 Evanston Ave. Muskegon, MI. 49442 with VISITATION before from 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hope Reformed Church. Arrangements through The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St. Ravenna, MI. 49451. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at https://sytsemafh.com
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