Weslie Clare Welcome passed away unexpectedly March 5. She was born Aug. 14, 1952, in Burns, to Wallace and Dera Welcome, to whom she was eternally devoted. She attended school in Burns, graduating in 1970. She attended Seattle University and Southern Oregon University, majoring in English. While in Ashland, she wrote and performed children’s radio plays.

She returned to Burns and was employed by the Burns Times-Herald and the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. For many years, she worked as an in-home elder care giver.

She was incredibly artistic and creative. Her artwork could leave you breathless with its beauty or bring on a hearty chuckle! She loved reading, writing, and the dramatic arts.  She was an active member of the “Blue Moon” theater group and enjoyed assisting with the traveling Missoula Children’s Theater.  Weslie was a caring and humble soul who touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Weslie is survived by her sister, Louanne (Jean) Fugal of Scio; nephews, Chad (Marie) Clevenger and children, Hannah and Carter of Salem, and Ryan (Yue) Hayes and daughters, Charlotte and Ella of Seattle, Wash.; nieces, Nicole (Leo) Andresen, and Melissa (Zak) Dablow and children, Dylan, Avery, and Isaac of Salem; first-cousins, Frani (Bart) Jenkins of Steamboat Springs, Colo., Janie (Tom) Ritley of Hansville, Wash., Eleanor Skelton of Boise, Idaho; and many treasured friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Dera Welcome; and her older sister, Mary Lurie Whiting.

Arrangements were handled by La Follette’s Chapel, where a recitation of the Holy Rosary was held March 10. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 11 at the Holy Family Catholic Church, with interment in the Burns Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Weslie’s memory to Mary’s Place for Homeless Women and Children, Box 1711, Seattle, Wash. 98111 (marysplaceseattle.org); Children of Peace International, Box 2911, Loveland, Colo. 80539 (childrenofpeace.org); or the Harney County Senior Center food bank in Burns.