Thelma Louise Ray Welch

Thelma Louise Ray Welch, 88 of Dahlonega GA. Died February 4, 2011 with her loving family by her side. She is predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Fred Welch, Sr.; parents Miles and Maude Ray; sisters, Birdie Ingram, Nora Fields, and Maybel Grizzle; brothers, Dave Ray, Dora Ray, Cleve Ray, Boyd Ray, and Steve Ray.

In 1946, as a young bride, Thelma and her husband Fred became operators of The Smith House Restaurant in Dahlonega. For many years the couple worked side-by-side serving three home cooked meals a day to travelers visiting the area. Today the family business is owned and operated by the second and third generation of the Welch Family.

As a child of God, Thelma firmly believed that no one should go hungry. For over 40 years she maintained a vegetable garden behind her house near the public square in Dahlonega. Rarely keeping any of the fruits of her labor, she gave most of her crop to others every season. She also loved to grow beautiful flowers and plants. Dividing her Hosta plants with friends and family every spring was a labor of love for Thelma.

With the help of her husband Fred, together they provided and served food to hundreds of families in the area during their time of loss or illness. The community honored their contributions in 1993 and crowned them Gold Rush King and Queen during the annual Gold Rush celebration.

Mrs. Welch leaves behind a loving family who she cherished more than all the treasure ever found in her "Gold Rush" hometown. Son and daughter in law, Freddy and Shirley Welch; Grandchildren Chris and Jeanne Welch, Freida and Mike Bafile; Great Grandchildren Evan Bafile, Lauren Welch and Christopher Welch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, c/o Ray Carpenter, P.O. Box 765, Dahlonega, GA 30533.

Funeral services for Mrs. Welch are scheduled for 2 PM Monday, February 7, 2011 at Friendship Baptist Church in Dahlonega.

Mrs. Welch will lie in state at the church from 1:30 PM until 2 PM on Monday.

Rev. Lyman Caldwell, Rev. Dean Bryant, Rev. Lance Fuller, and Rev. Bill Hutcheson will officiate.

Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Dahlonega.

The family will receive friends at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega on Sunday, February 6, 2011 from 3 PM until 7 PM.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of the arrangements.