Melba Ruth Welch

Melba Ruth Welch (nee Woodson) of Collinsville, Texas passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, after a long and fulfilling life.

Melba was born to Earl Wilson Woodson and Dora Alice Woodson (nee Packer) in Vernon, Texas on January 20, 1932.

Se was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Earlene Pryne; two brothers, Clarence and Curtis Woodson, and one daughter, Benita Tate Blythe.

She is survived by her husband, Keith Welch of Collinsville, Texas; her sister, Jeanie Cavendar of Georgetown, Texas; her daughters, Robbie Manthei of Collinsville, Texas, and Tara Owens and husband, Tim of Magnolia, Arkansas; son, William Tate of Argyle, Texas, Stepson, Brian Welch and wife, Alesha of Collinsville, Texas; stepson, Greg Welch and wife, Melanie of El Reno, Oklahoma; she is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including grandson, Chaney Reed and wife Amber of Winters, Texas; their two children, grandson, Robert Reed and wife Jamie of Winters, Texas and their three children; granddaughter, Courtney Manthei of Denver, Colorado, and her two children; grandson, Blake West and wife, Christina of Maumelle, Arkansas, and their three children; grandson, Caleb Tate of Denton, Texas and his child; grandson, Garret West and wife, Auliya of Fort Worth, Texas and their two children; granddaughter Chloe Tate of Denton, Texas; grandson, Jakeb Gilbreath of Ardmore, Oklahoma; grandson, Cole Tate and wife, Maleia of Denton, Texas and their child; granddaughter, Samantha Mille and her husband, Josh of Magnolia, Arkansas and their three children, granddaughter, Erin Owens of Magnolia, Arkansas; grandsons, Preston Welch and Landon Parkes of Krum, Texas; granddaughters, Ella, Claire, and Amelia Welch of El Reno, Oklahoma; grandson, Isaac Welch of Yukon, Oklahoma; as well as countless other extended family members who will undoubtedly miss her for the rest of their lives.

Melba was a beloved member of the Collinsville Church of Christ and served in the hospitality ministry, where she prepared and served food to the sick and bereaved.  She was known to be an excellent cook, with a specialty in baking hot dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls, a crowd favorite and a staple at family gatherings.

In her spare time. Melba loved to paint, read, and go to garage sales and antique stores (or “junking” as she called it).  She also loved to travel with her beloved husband, Keith, and saw a great many places during their nearly 40 years of marriage.

Her children and grandchildren remember her as a force of nature who was both loving and unabashed.  She was not afraid to speak her mind and share her opinion on subjects both favorable and unfavorable.  Her children remember her as a source of inspiration and a role model for how to fearlessly walk through life.  She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with vigor, whether it was a day out with Grammy one-on-one to go see a movie and have lunch or together at family Christmas gatherings full of laughter and camaraderie.  Grammy’s house, and perhaps even just her presence, felt like home.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Whitesboro.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Collinsville Church of Christ in Collinsville, Texas.

Melba will be missed deeply, remembered lovingly, and carried forever in the hearts of her family and friends.