Melba Welch 88 of Strong, died Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Life Care Specialty Rehabilitation Center in Farmerville La. with her family by her side.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, William "Bud" Leo Welch, her parents; Claude and Clara Frisby and a very special granddaughter Nikole Dugal.

Survivors include three beautiful children; Vickie (Billy) Landers of Spearsville LA., Wade Welch of Strong Ar., and Gloria (Gene) Craig of Strong, Ar., and one brother JD (Mona) Frisby of El Dorado.

Granny always had a heart full of love for everyone of her grand children and great grand children. Starting with the oldest to the youngest, each one had a special place in her big heart. They include Melissa (Ralph) Cole, Lauri (Perry) Clark, Michelle McGehee (Daryl Couch), Rodney (Kim)Dugal, Shay (Alison) Dugal, Tonya (Michael) Stone, Shannon Butler, Kim (Melvin) Navarijo, Jessica (Chris) Bone and 20 great grand children; Mitchell (Lindsey) Cole, Justin Cole, Briana Clark, Lauren and Austin "Shaggy" McGehee, Raegan, Seth and Ty Dugal, Ariel King, Kale Dugal, Hailie Dunn, Tavin Stone, Sabrina and Trinity Butler, Adrian Welch, Isabelle and Sophia Navarijo and Mary and Christen Bone.

This was written by her great grand daughter; Yesterday the world lost a very sweet lady, but heaven gained an even more beautiful angel, my sweet Granny Welch! I love you and miss you but I know you are in a better place! Thanks for always being there when I got off the school bus with an afternoon snack (because you knew I hated cafeteria food) and 2 hours of Full House and Wheel of Fortune! All of your grand kids also appreciated the ALWAYS fully stocked ice cream freezer (with every flavor) and the fridge of Dr. Pepper! (Now I am addicted for life). You were the best Granny! I love and will miss you until we cross paths again! RIP my sweet Granny Welch !

Melba was a member of Knowles Baptist Church. She was born and lived in the Centerpoint Community all her life.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 16 at 2:00p.m. at Knowles Baptist Church on the Old Strong Hwy with Rev. Tommy Nash officiating under the direction of Perry's Funeral Chapels.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February15, 2012 from 6-8 p.m.at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN. 38105