Mary Helen Shely Welsh, 87, beloved wife of the late Gene Welsh, passed away on December 9, 2025, at Frankfort Regional Medical Center in Frankfort, KY. Born April 30, 1938, in Anderson County, KY, she was the daughter of the late Floyd Shely and Gippie Shouse Shely.

Mary was a member of Hill N Dale Christian Church in Lexington and a graduate of Anderson County High School. She went on to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Louisville. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to serving others, working as a social worker at Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Louisville. Alongside her husband, who served as a minister, Mary faithfully ministered to churches throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, and North Carolina. She loved playing the piano and cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mary was also a devoted supporter of the Appalachia Mission of Hope in McKee, Kentucky, giving generously of her heart and time.

Including her husband, Gene, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Nannie, Bonnie, William, Raymond, Thelma, and Harry.

Mary is survived by her sons, David (Kim) Welsh of Lexington, KY, and John (Sue) Welsh of Lawrenceburg, KY; her brother, Don Shely of Glensboro, KY; her grandchildren, Drew Welsh, Hunter Welsh, Sutton Hughes, Courtney Welsh, Lauren Koeller, and Eric Welsh; and her great-grandchildren, Jude Koeller, Katherine Koeller, River Welsh, and Frances Welsh.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, 701 North Main Street, Lawrenceburg, KY. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary are suggested to Appalachia Mission of Hope, 492 Dean Road, McKee, KY 40447, or online at http://www.amohonline.org/ .

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg. Condolences may be shared at www.ritchieandpeach.com .