Ida J. Welch, 94, died Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin.

She was born in Bethel on October 31, 1914. She was the daughter of Leonard & Marian (Chandler) Hopkins.

She attended schools in Barre and Montpelier Seminary.

She later attended Oberlon College in Massachusetts.

She married Scott Welch in Northfield on December 24, 1937.

Ida was raised in large part by her mother's sister, Mabel Chandler. She lived and worked most of her married live in Worcester, having worked as a store clerk there for 38 years.

She moved to Lake Mary in Florida in the early 1970's, returning to Northfield in 1978 to be close to her children.

She had her own radio show on WDEV for approximately 7 years in the 1930's. She also had worked for Gray's Department Store in Montpelier for several years.

She was a member of the Methodist Church in Worcester and church soloist for over 50 years, Order of the Eastern Star, Rob Morris Chapter #23 in Montpelier and the Williamstown Chapter, long time member of the Coraliers Singing Group and Northfield Senior Center.

Survivors include her son, Guy Welch of Williamstown; 2 daughters, Judith Welch of Williamstown, Rebecca Welch of Waltham, Massachusetts; 4 granddaughters; 6 great grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her husband, Scott Welch; 10 sisters, and 1 step brother.

An Eastern Star service was held at Kingston Funeral Home on June 7. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Woodridge Nursing Home Activity Fund, PO Box 550, Barre, VT 05641.