Valeda M Welch, 98, of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center.

She was born on August 1, 1915 to John and Stella (Meyer) Grau in Henry Co., OH. Valeda married Forrest Bob Welch in 1937 and he passed away in 1966.

She was owner and travel agent of Universal Travel Service which was later called Welch Travel and then Central Travel. Valeda was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and its Service Guild, Defiance VFW Auxiliary and the American Society of Travel Agents. She was past member of the League of Women's voters and a past member of the Business and Professional Women.

Valeda is survived by her sister, Vera Mae Scott of the State of SC.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Forrest and special friend, Theodore Fritz.

Visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with burial immediately following at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Holgate. Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m.Wednesday, September 18, 2013, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Rev. David Brobston officiating.

Memorials are suggested to the Alpine Village Bell Choir or to St. Paul's Lutheran Ladies Service Guild.