Peggy Helen (O'Neal) Welch

Peggy Helen Welch, 84, of Carterville, passed away Friday, July 5, 2019, at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. Ralph Brandon officiating. Burial will be in Blairsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Peggy was born July 8, 1934, in Carterville, to Elroy and Rhea (Harris) O'Neal. She married Eugene "Gene" F. Welch on December 23, 1950, in Hurst. He preceded her in death on November 4, 2012.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Pat) Welch of Macomb, Illinois; grandchildren, Jillian Wort of Mt. Sterling, Mark E. Welch of Clemson, South Carolina, Jason (Michelle) Welch of Brentwood, Tennessee, Timothy (Kari) Welch of Springfield, Megan Welch and Sunni Welch, both of Herrin; 8 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Elaine Welch of Carterville.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons, Kelley and Bruce Welch; sisters, Lucille Etherton and Nettie Raymond; and brothers, Kelley and E.T. O'Neal.

Peggy had worked at J.C. Penny for many years.

She was a member of the Hurst Christian Church.

Peggy enjoyed being outdoors fishing and golfing. She was a talented baker who enjoyed baking for family functions. Most of all, Peggy loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

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