Norma J. Conklin Welch, of East Liverpool, passed away at the age of 87 at 4:14 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2014, at the East Liverpool City Hospital, following a lingering illness. Norma was a former resident of Garner Avenue in East Liverpool.

Norma was a daughter of the late Homer and Erma Betts Conklin, she was born in East Liverpool on May 7, 1927. A lifelong area resident, she had been associated with Potters Bank & Trust for over 20 years.

A Methodist by faith, Norma had been a member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Prior to that, she had belonged to the former Calvary Church, where she had been choir director for nine years. She had a lifelong appreciation for music, and had played the piano and organ at many churches over the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Donald “Dick” Welch, who passed away on May 7, 2005. They had been married on May 25, 1963.

Surviving is a step-daughter, Janet K. Dennis and her husband, Earl, of Calcutta. There are seven grandchildren: Jason Welch, Sean Welch, Russell McDaniel, and his wife Melissa, Tony McDaniel, David Dennis, and his wife Amanda, Mike Dennis, and his wife Lisa, and Karie Bishop, and her husband John, as well as seven great-grandchildren: Keith McDaniel, Dylan McDaniel, Phillip McDaniel, Aaron Bishop, Zachary Bishop, Mia Dennis, Malia Dennis, Shaylynn Dennis and Lucas Dennis.

Norma is also survived by a brother, Dr. Albert “Abby” Conklin of Massillon, OH, as well as several nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law Mary Conklin and a daughter-in-law Brenda Welch.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Norma was preceded in death by a step-son, Jay Welch, by a grandson, Jeffrey A. Dennis and a brother Allen Conklin.

Friends may visit at the Dawson Funeral Home on Sunday, where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Ashley McMillin of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church officiating. Norma will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery.

Following the service, family and friends will gather at the Dawson Family Center for fellowship.