I was thinking of you today, my friend, and now I see it’s your birthday! Happy heavenly celebrations sure do miss you!

On this, the two-year anniversary of my mom's passing, I'm pumped to finally get to honor her with a celebration of life. 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis. You can watch a live stream of the service at:

http://1stpres.org/worship/live-streamed-worship/

For those of you coming to Marolyn's celebration of life at 1 p.m. Thursday May 12 at First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis, please leave a bit earlier than you might normally, the minister tells me, because parking can be a problem. The good news: First Baptist Church, kitty-corner from FP at the northwest side of 9th and Monroe, has opened up its lot to people attending our event. If walking is a not a problem for you, please consider using the First Baptist lot just a block away. (See map in the "gallery" section of this forever-missed site.)

Additionally, there are two dozen spots in the First Presbyterian parking lot to the west of the church. Many of the other spots around the church are two-hour-maximum spots, although I'm told if you venture into other neighborhoods not as close to the church, you can find non-regulated parking.

Thanks for your patience on this matter!

For those of you who can't make Marolyn's celebration of life at 1 p.m. Thursday May 12 at First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis, the service will be streamed over the Internet. Go to:

http://1stpres.org/worship/live-streamed-worship/

Please pass this on to others who you think might be interested.

Thanks!

Originally, the Welch-Tarrant connection occurred when Marolyn and Dad found love and solace in one another after their initial spouses had passed away: blessings vs. tragedies. 

The unhandy news, for us, is that while we could have physically attended the planned gatherings either of the past two years, that will not be possible for us this year--except in spirit.

thinking of the Bob Welch family from windy KS.....Blessings, my friend

Some of us at Willamette Oaks were remembering times spent with Marolyn and how much we loved to be with her. We have fond memories!

Happy belated Heavenly Birthday my dear friend. Missing you. I’m looking forward to your celebration in May!

Today, on what would have been Mom's 95th birthday, we're pleased to announce that her celebration of life has finally been set: It will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church, 114 SW. 8th St., Corvallis, Oregon. That will be exactly two years since her passing.

Twice we've had to cancel the planned event because of COVID; we're hopeful that won't be the case here! Thanks for your patience.

As per her request, this will be an upbeat affair, complete with a live band. Love to have you join us! A reception will follow.

We will be forever thankful for the way they fulfilled each other's lives after their former spouses had passed on.

Sorry I missed this yesterday. Strangely enough, we still keep both Marolyn's and Dad's birthdays on the current calendar

Thinking of my author friend Bob today here in KS.....

On this, the one-year anniversary since Mom's passing, I'll offer some Dr. Seuss wisdom that's helped me through: "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." Though I miss her, I continue to feel blessed by having shared so much of the pizza of life with her. And feel blessed by having had so much great communication in the last year with those of you who called her a friend.

As many of you know, we once again postponed her service, which first was going to be in October 2020 and then today. It will be held, in one form or the other, May 12,2022, a year from today. She wanted a celebration, not people having to be six feet apart and unable to see each other's smiles because of masks. Trust you'll understand. Look forward to honoring her life next spring! Meanwhile, be well, stay safe, and, as she might say, never take a moment of life for granted.

I remember her vivacity and the chats we had at church coffee hour. A delightful person.

The following is from Mom's dear friend, Beachside writer, and poet extraordinaire, Marion Whitney:

      March promises Spring
     Rhodies, Daffodils and rain
      Missing your bright Smile

      Farmers' Market walk
     Dancing down by the River
      Missing Your Haiku

Bob, thanks for the update! Keep me posted here in KS.

Many fond memories and adventures with this lovely lady! We miss her positive way of living.

On this March 9, 2021, what would have been Mom's 94th birthday, I honor her spirit that lives on in those of us who loved her. And need to let you all know that First Presbyterian Church has informed us that, because of lingering Covid concerns, we should not plan on being able to hold a celebration of life for Mom on May 12, 2021 as planned.

But we're gonna make it happen, if not in the fall then on the two-year anniversary of her passing. Look at the site for new info or feel free to contact me at bobwelch23@gmail.com or 541-517-3936.

Thanks for caring!

Marolyn was in a dream I had last night. I thought that she looked good and her baby blue eyes were shining.

Not surprisingly, we awoke with thoughts of Marolyn, whose birthday was already on our 2021 calendar.

Greetings, I'm Marolyn Welch Tarrant's son, Bob Welch. Someone contacted me yesterday about the status of Mom's memorial service, which was originally scheduled for today, October 4, 2020. Because of COVID-19, the service has been postponed until one year from the date of her death, May 12, 2021. Whether we will able to gather by then, of course, remains a question. But we will hope for that and delay the event if need be. Thank you for caring about my Mom. She was blessed to have so many friends.

One of the hardest things about moving to Bend was the increased distance between me and the rest of my family. In a way, the added distance simplified some things: If I was going to be in town, I better see about visiting Grandma while I was there. 

She would always ask how things were going in Bend and what kind of fun I was getting into, depending on the season. She would tell me about how she used to love coming to Bend, whether it was going camping at Sparks Lake, cross-country skiing at Swampy Lakes, or just how beautiful she thought Mirror Pond was when she first saw it. I loved hearing her own fond memories of Bend and I think that helped me feel more connected despite the distance. I’ve never had any serious doubts about my move, but it was reassuring to have her sound so thrilled for me and to say that she thought it sounded like I was in the perfect place. I’ve always enjoyed those little reminders of her when I’m out skiing or biking in the same places she used to enjoy and I know I will cherish them even more now.

Linda, Bob and families, the entire Wissler family sends love and sympathy as you mourn Marolyn’s passing. She was always a family favorite, along with dear Warren. Though we met through the bond our parents shared, the Wissler kids count happy days boating and camping together before we got to the OSU house dance stage of our lives As a special connection to the Welch family. Warren was always there, keeping our secrets, and Marolyn was always happy to see us. I know your many happy memories shared during Marolyn’s wonderful life will stay stain your now. Thank you for your friendship. Jeff, Jill and Jon

Thank you so much for the warm, loving tribute to Marolyn in the R-G. The lump in my throat grew as I read it, even though I knew some of it.
These family stories are so precious. Gil and I might tell one of ours to folks who have not heard it yet, but both of us listen raptly as it is repeated with few changes (even in the pauses). I delighted in reading this obituary of love as a treasured glimpse into your family. Bless you for sharing and writing it so well.
I miss Marolyn, and her smile and wonderful outlook on life, but I’ve taken a little bit of her into me and thus can hold on to her for a long time.
Gil and Martha Osgood

I knew Marolyn from her time at Willamette Oaks. She was a delight to talk to. We loved it when she joined us for the basketball game watch. At first she couldn't understand why almost everyone here was rooting for Oregon, when she thought it should be Oregon State. But we watched a lot of games, and Marolyn would come down with her glass of wine and once even a gin and tonic - we all had such a good time! We miss her!!

When you went over to see Bob back in the days of HS and college there was always a chance you would also get to see Marolyn. And you were actually hoping that you would see her. She was an added bonus to picking up Bob or hanging out at the Welch house. It was a bonus because of her consistent pleasant engaging upbeat spunky personality. She was fun and wasn’t afraid to throw in a playful jab once in a while. You always felt better from her presence. As my friendship with Bob continued over the years what was awesome was that Marolyn remained the same upbeat graceful pleasant person and seemed to perhaps be even more adventurous as she grew older-she dove in to life and lived large and full. What a great example to strive for! Thank you Marolyn for your beauty in living such a relevant and fruitful life.

Aunt Marolyn has been a bright spot for me as I enjoyed family get togethers, reunions and sharing beach cabin time over the years. She made the best Potato salad ever! Marolyn always took having fun to the next level. She made everyone feel comfortable and welcome in her presence. We will all miss her dearly. - Rob Schumacher 

Posted by Cammie Bella on May 18, 2020

I met Marolyn through our friendship at the Church of the Good Samaritan. The lovely obituary says it all. What a Light in the Darkness she was for everyone she met. I was able to visit her when she moved downtown to the riverfront. Each time we met, her inner and outer Light amplified the encounter and nourished my soul for the rest of the day. I am comforted to know she was with family at the end of her earthly journey. 

Dear Linda Crew, Mary and Will,
I remember her smiling face, attending rehearsals and performances at the Majestic Theatre over the years. Thank you for such a beautiful obituary that made me cry, what a great tribute, A Wonderful Life...My condolences, Mary Jeanne Reynales

Bob; So sorry to hear of your Mom. Thank you for being a long distant friend and sharing the tribute pics. They are amazing. Your Mom was certainly adventurous and friendly to all. Certainly showed the love she was surrounded by as well. My wife and I send God's blessings to her, you, and your family....all the way from Kansas.

I have a very happy memory of visiting Marolyn in her home when she invited our mutual friend Lois Meessen and my late husband and myself for a meal. There was a lot of laughter and it was such a convivial time. This was when Marolyn was a widow but still Welch. I always enjoyed her positive attitude and her lively conversation. Sending condolences to all the family and her many friends. 

As her brother I look back at how well we got along in the family as I can't recall any real problems we had in the life stage. I'll miss her greatly and cherish the days we had with out any problems in the life stage. We had very good parents to keep a good atmosphere while growing up. I know ill miss her till the end. she was a great sister. Schu

What an amazing lady! Her life was full, and not always full of the positive things. But when the going got tough from some major setback, she always had the attitude that she could recover and move forward. And she did. She kept strong and she kept moving. And she got to see and do MANY wonderful things. She is a guide to follow.

I first met Marolyn as a landscape architecture and political science student at OSU in 1970. She was so helpful and friendly to us all! Later that decade, we reunited occasionally around local political events. What a great blessing to have had in our community! 

Marolyn. 2020

In the evening after I had learned of my friend’s death I was watching a movie. Two characters were standing talking to each other. When the conversation came to the end they each turned with “Cheers” and “See ya” and walked away from each other. The camera lingered on the empty space for a minute or two and I stared at it. I thought that is what death is to an old person who has just lost a good friend, a space is left.  Marolyn will never walk into that space in her blue denim jacket that matched her blue eyes and blue toe nails. What will fill that space?
Her laughter and chatter, that woman could talk,. But also she asked questions and she listened, looking you straight in the eyes. She wanted to know about you!
Her enthusiasm for life, joy, fun and play, 4th of July “ ….meet me down by the river, right side of the band,“so two old ladies toddle down with their walkers, get settled with their beers. The band starts to play and they get up and dance.
“There’s a good band playing at the Senior Center, meet me there.”  I met her there and we showed off our stuff. Even at The Majestic, Pink Martini. The audience was invited to come up on the stage and dance. Two old ladies got up and danced on the floor in front of the stage with smiles of Joy.
While waiting for a table at a restaurant by the river, Marolyn got talking to the couple in front of us. That is what she did, she asked questions and listened. The couple admired her blue toe nails and by the time we got a table, they had invited us to their wedding.
Awareness of the beauty around her and she shared with me through poetry: April 2019 flood.
            Logs
trees
Branches
         Floating down
The swollen river
Sky splitting, rain gets my full attention

Marolyn and I started out the same year. That seems like a long time, but life goes fast. Marolyn reminds us to live with joy and enthusiasm. Thank you, Marolyn
Marion Whitney

Blessed to know Marolyn at the fitness center. Always a warm friendly hello and wonderful smile. Her energy at the fitness center was an inspiration for many during her workouts. I remember the excitement in her voice as she talked about Linda and her books. I always admired her telling me about all her adventures around the NW. For the family, I'm sorry for your loss but her memories will live forever. God Bless.

Marolyn was the oldest of 9 remaining of 26 original first cousins on the Schumacher side. I always enjoyed being with her and later exchanging emails on just about any subject. We had a lunch gathering a couple years ago in Corvallis and after visiting her apartment she showed us the statue/ memorial of the Wizard of Foz (Bob's book) high jump champion Dick Fosbury. Always fun, caring loving and sharp; to use a description from the other gender, a woman for all seasons!

Dear Bob, dear Sally,

What a “sea of love” your Mom Marolyn has been swimming and immerging in! The words, the photos, the videos, the music on this page that you set up in her honor – this is all very touching and speaks volumes of the endless love three generations of Welch family felt and will always feel for her "GG".

We feel blessed that we had the chance to get to know Marolyn last August at your house during the work for your book. It was an unforgettable day! Her intriguingly happy character, her warm-hearted, empathic way of communicating, her sense of humor and her contagious laughter – all these memories are very precious to us. We were happy to stay in touch with her via email throughout her last months and we will keep Marolyn in our hearts.

We send you and all the family our heartfelt sympathies, our hugs and love from “Schumacher country” Germany.
We love you all,
Matthias & Beate

PS: I am happy to share a few photos of our unforgettable day with Marolyn at the beautiful Welch home, August 16, 2019.

What a wonderful person, who I actually met just a few times, but we seemed to hit it off, and I've considered her a best friend ever since. She was bright and funny. We talked about our parenting styles. I'll never forget hers. She said, "Benign neglect". I love it, and thought how right she was. We know her highly accomplished son and all the others. It worked. What a loss. I wish Marolyn's family comfort in their memories and love. I write with tears in my eyes. And love for all.

I always loved working with Marolyn on League of Women Voter Projects. She had a fun laugh and a positive spirit. We also saw her a lot in Yachats as our beach properties were both on the fish streets. My husband and I often stopped on the 804 trail near hers and shared a kiss, so she started calling us kissy-kissy. Bill knew her in the Presbyterian Church in her later years. She will be missed.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Marolyn and I had many adventures together in our widowhood during these last two decades, too many to recount here. I have been reliving every one of those wonderful moments since hearing of her death. She was always outgoing (which i was not) and fun to be around. Always wanting to help where she could - the last time I talked with her just over two weeks before she died, she wanted an address to send a check for the homeless. It makes me happy to know that she was at home with Bob and Sally at the end. I, along with many, miss her greatly.

Marolyn was always happy, upbeat, and loved to laugh.

My wife, Eloise, remembered when Dad and Marolyn capitalized on that mirth factor by announcing to their children, grandchildren, and other guests during their wedding day dinner that, "By the way, we aren't planning to have any kids right away!"

The shock factor worked, and the whole room lit up, as intended.

I loved working with Marilyn via the League of Women Voters. She was a wonderful, classy woman. My condolences to all who loved her.

Bob and Sally and the entire Welch clan. I'm sorry for your loss. The brief times I got to sit with Marolyn and talk to her at Beachside, and listen to her stories, especially her boat accident, were some of my favorite Beachside memories. She was kind, and funny, and I was inspired by the life she lived. She had spunk, and tenacity and she was fearless. She was truly an inspiration. And of course she has left a legacy of love and kindness in her wake. Bob, you have your mother's humor and heart. She has left this world for another, a better one, but her light will continue to shine on everyone and everything she left behind. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Lots of love, Marti.

Jerry and I got to know your mom as a writer first! Then the mom of the marvelous Bob Welch. We are so grateful for the brief moments we had with her, appreciating her sense of humor, her wisdom and her graciousness. Thank you for bringing her into our lives and I'm glad we got to thank her for bringing you into ours.

It is a sad thing indeed to lose a loved one. The beauty of lives that touch one another is that, even when we don't have the privilege of directly knowing the deceased, their presence in others' lives leaves an impact on us by the legacy they leave behind them. Bob, I never met your dear mother Marolyn - yet my heart grieves in silence at your loss because of who you and Sally are in my life - therefore, your loss is my loss as well. Eternal rest grant her, O Lord, and may the Perpetual Light shine upon her. Patrick and Mary

This, from my cousin Julie Verhagen, of Denver, Colo., who considered Marolyn a sort of "second mom" after her own mother passed away: 

So I loved every calligraphy letter you sent me. I’ve saved them all. I look for FORWARD TO REVIEWING THEM ALL ONNCE AGAIN. AND BY THE WAY YOU WERE THE Queen OF PICKING OUT JUST THE RIGHT birthday CARD. I’M SO GLAD I SAVED THEM ALL. SO WHILE I’M ON LASTING JOY I REALLY LOVE THAT blue used Cashmere sweater I bought off of eBay. I was thinking it would be a perfect color for Bronco game day wear. Well I’ve changed my mind about that. It’s now been renamed the "Auntie M. Ocean Crest Blue Sweater."

As we part ways, thank you for all the wonder memories you have left me with. All those family memories at the beach, eating lunch under the beach umbrella and trying to keep the sand out my lunch plate. I’ve felt your love over the years and I thank you so very much for that. Peace be with you.
God bless. Love, Julie

We are sad to learn of Marolyn's passing, and were relieved to
hear that in these days of pandemic and quarantine she was able to
spend her final days in the company of Bob, Sally and other family
members.
   Heather and I knew Marolyn at one remove -- but even so, it was
a remarkably long and varied acquaintance. Marolyn and my uncle were
classmates at Corvallis High School. She worked in Heather's father's political science department for many years, which must have required the patience of Job. And we knew her through Bob, my colleague at the (Bend) Bulletin and The Register-Guard, both directly and by way of the stories he told in his columns.
   So I feel we knew Marolyn long and well, a conviction reinforced
by seeing her character reflected in her family. Times such as these
are never easy, and the fact of a long life well-lived offers little
consolation in a moment of grief. Our prayers will join an abundant
chorus of others.
Jackman Wilson

We were late to the dance (again) in meeting Marolyn. She was 84 then. She was one of those people who we (confessed to ourselves) wished we had met much earlier in life. There was a magnetism to her; an internal joy for life that one could only admire--and then try to emulate. And she loved her family. That was as easy to recognize as the carvings on Mount Rushmore.