Welch, Nell (Ridlen) 1916-2006

WELCH, RIDLEN, ROBUCK

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/29/2006 at 21:05:10

Nell Ridlen Welch was born on March 21, 1916, on her Grandmother Ridlen's farmstead about two miles southeast of Knoxville.

Nell was the daughter of Clarence L. and Nelle Robuck Ridlen. Nelle had died in childbirth and Nell was sent to live with her Uncle Joe and Aunt Clara Robuck in the Valley neighborhood. She attended rural school until ready for high school, at which time she returned to her father's home. She kept house for him and attended Knoxville High School until she graduated in 1934. Upon graduation she held a couple of part-time jobs until hired by the Bellamy Telephone Company.

In 1941, she married Wyatt M. Welch and one year later he was drafted into the service. Upon Wyatt's return from the war, Nell left Bellamy to stay home with her husband. Nell obtained several short-term jobs for a variety of companies, including Collins Hospital, the Chamber of Commerce, Office of Price Administration, Scott Veterinary Clinic, Edwards Motors and Manpower. She also worked at Banker's Life from 1963 to 1967, at which time her health issues forced her to retire with disability. Wyatt became afflicted with Alzheimer's and Nell spent every day taking care of him until he required nursing home attention. They were married for more than 50 years when he passed away in March 1992. They had resided on his homestead farm until his death, at which time Nell moved to town. Nell developed a friendship with John L. Langstraat and he was her best friend until his death in August 2003. She remained close friends with his daughter, Joyce (Scott) Pearson, until her death.

Nell had a passion for pets, especially cats. She also had an interest in being a friend to everyone and was known as a woman of character by many throughout the community. Nell was proud of her Christianity and shared it freely with others. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Nell was active in numerous other activities and organizations, including the Knoxville City Park Board, Adult Education School Board, Business and Professional Women's Club, City of Knoxville Heart Fund Drive, Election Board, Daughters of Union Veterans, DAV Auxiliary, Sunday School teacher, Neighborhood Liberty Garden Club, District Court Petit Jury and Marion Rebekah Lodge.

Nell died on Feb. 8, 2006, at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital at the age of 89.

She was preceded in death by her parents; adoptive parents; brother, Calvin (Thelma) Ridlen; half-brother, Park (Helen) Hall; sisters, Clara (Marion) Jordan and Ruth (Harold) Williams; nephew, Bill Hall; great-nephew, Brian Hancock and great-great niece Claire Hancock.

Survivors include nephews, Phillip Ardean (Janice) Williams, Richard (Karen) Ridlen, Don (Mary Ellen) Hall and Paul (Terri) Jordan; nieces, Elizabeth Hancock and Joann (Clifford) Hoch; niece-in-law, Phyllis Hall; godchildren, Calvin M. Ridlen and Melissa K. Hoch; name-sake, Charlotte Nell McGill; 22 great-nephews and nieces; many great great and great great great nephews and nieces as well as a host of good friends and neighbors.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 13 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Neil Montz officiating.

Interment was in Breckenridge Cemetery.

The Knoxville Journal Express, February 27, 2006