Martha Gene (Fordyce) Welsh

Martha Gene Welsh went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 14, 2025. She was born at home on the family farm in Gilmore Township/Weidman, Michigan, to the late Gaylord and Geneva (Dixon) Fordyce.

Martha Gene grew up with a deep love for the Lord, a love that shaped every part of her life. She shared her faith joyfully—singing in many church choirs, including the O.K. (Old Kids) Community Choir of Coopersville, creating and giving away countless prayer calendars, and serving faithfully as a Missions chairperson. Over the years, she and her husband welcomed many missionaries into their home, offering warm hospitality and encouragement.

A graduate of Taylor University, Martha Gene taught elementary school and served as a substitute teacher for 40 years. She passed along her love of music to her children, teaching each of them to play the piano. She was also known for her delicious pies, her fondness for sweets, and her enthusiasm for travel—especially camping adventures and visiting all 50 states with family and friends.

As the devoted wife of a United Methodist pastor, Martha Gene served alongside her husband in numerous congregations, forming lifelong friendships and touching many hearts in the churches of Alma, Sand Lake/Pierson/Ensley, Carson City, Harbor Springs, Alanson, Stevensville, Bellaire, Martin/Shelbyville, Evart/Avondale, and Bronson.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 72 years, Gerald Welsh; her children, Annette (Chuck) Christenson, Jeanine (Ken) Golden, Richard (Sheri) Welsh, and Ronda (Mark) Kaechele; her grandchildren, Josie (Andrew) Draper, Olivia Golden, Alexis (Luke) Willmore, Spencer (Alisha) Welsh, and Luke Kaechele; and her great-grandchildren, Fletcher Draper, Sophia Welsh, and Rigby Willmore.

Martha Gene was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Eleanor (Roy) Sells and Barbara Thomas; sister-in-law Anabelle (Russ) Holcomb; and brothers-in-law Bob (Betty) Welsh, Keith (Sue) Welsh, and Wes (Joan) Welsh.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with visitation at 10:00 AM, at Coopersville Bible Church, 35 Hillcrest St., Coopersville, MI 49404. Friends and family are invited to stay for a luncheon at the church following the service. Burial will take place later that day at Pine River Cemetery, 7765 W. Blanchard Rd., Blanchard, MI 49310, beside the Blanchard Pine River United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a church mission of your choice, World Gospel Mission (P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948), or Redbird Mission (70 Queendale Center, Beverly, KY 40913).

Condolences for the family may be shared on Martha Gene’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home

Coopersville, 616-837-8161