October 1, 2023
October 1, 2023
No words today. Just tears. Asking Jesus to give you hugs from me.
This memorial website was created in the memory of our beautiful wife, loving mother, sister, grandma and friend. We will remember her forever.
Her Obituary:
WELBORN (nee Kline), Sylvia Ann, 74, of Sturgis passed away on Monday, September 30, 2013.
Sylvia was born in Bronson, Michigan and grew up in Sturgis, Michigan. In 1966, while living in Omaha, Nebraska, she met and married her husband. Thus began her life of travelling the world. From Nebraska they moved to Virginia, then Okinawa, Japan and on to Oklahoma. Next was Panama, and then California and finally to Germany.
Retirement found them back in her hometown of Sturgis, to be near her Mom. With each new place, with each new culture, she was always quick to make friends and quick to be a friend.
Sylvia delighted in crafts, sewing, cake decorating and rubber-stamping and was extremely talented in all of the hobbies she pursued. Another one of her favorite activities was singing. At any given time, she could be found belting out smooth jazz while doing housework or driving. She had a smile that lit up the room and had the biggest heart, always working to "keep the peace." She would do anything for anyone at anytime and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Sylvia is survived by her husband, Larry Welborn Sr., and their three children; daughter Kristina (Bill) Virus of Calgary, Alberta, Canada and son Larry Welborn Jr. (Ann) of Sturgis, Michigan and daughter Melanie (Jon-Paul) Andrews of Burr Oak, Michigan. As well as, her nine grandchildren; Blayne Virus, Amanda Wahl, Adam Welborn, Lydia Welborn, Whitley Ryan, Brooke Andrews, Kasey Andrews, Nathan Moore and John Andrews plus 3 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Ken (Helen) Kline of Acworth, Georgia. Her parents, Walter Kline Jr. and Catherine Kline, and her younger sister, Karen Sue “Susie” Remenap predeceased Sylvia.
She fought hard against her illnesses and she epitomized the word "trooper". Her family thanks Heartland Hospice and Cecilia Boulanger for their loving assistance in caring for Sylvia during the last couple years of her life.
Following her wishes, Sylvia has been cremated; and Fr. Alphonse Savarimuthu M.F.S.S. will conduct a Memorial Mass at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 402 South Nottawa Street, Sturgis, Michigan on Saturday October 12, at 12:00 PM. Following will be a gathering at Holy Angels to share memories of Sylvia and food will be provided.
Flowers may be directed to Holy Angels Church.
Memorial Mass
Where: Holy Angels Catholic Church
402 South Nottawa Street
Sturgis, Michigan
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 12 PM
* gathering to follow service, with food provided, to share memories of Sylvia
Tributes
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September 30, 2023
September 30, 2023
Mom, today your memory is right there in my heart and mind. I miss being able to call you and tell you about all the exciting goings on or even the regular daily grind. But more importantly I’m so glad that your suffering ended and you can be with us from heaven. I love you and will see you again.
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2023
Mom,
It’s been 10 years today since you’ve left this world, I think of you often. I know you’re in heaven free of pain and whole again. Lydia and I were talking about you last week and how you’re love language was giving. She remembers that vividly! She also misses you much. I love you and miss you and will see you again someday!
It’s been 10 years today since you’ve left this world, I think of you often. I know you’re in heaven free of pain and whole again. Lydia and I were talking about you last week and how you’re love language was giving. She remembers that vividly! She also misses you much. I love you and miss you and will see you again someday!
July 19, 2023
July 19, 2023
Went to your graveside today. Dad and I cleaned your tombstone along with Grandpa and Grandma's gravestone and Uncle Bob's gravestone. I still miss ya, but still very thankful that you are no longer suffering and in heaven where the streets are golden and nothing decays. Worshipping the Lord.
May 8, 2022
May 8, 2022
Thinking of her today. Though she is in a better place, Mother's Day is always a rough one for those of us that have the pleasure to know her as Mom. She raised the bar on what it means to be Mom.
September 30, 2021
September 30, 2021
You would have loved the Fall we are having this year! The trees are all colours of yellow, orange, red and green! The sunrises are so many shades of pinks and purples. Miss you all the time and especially miss being able to pick up the phone and just chat for awhile. Love you Mom!
August 7, 2020
August 7, 2020
It was this July that I’ve reached adulthood. I wish you could’ve been here, I wonder what kind of conversations we would have had, I wonder if you’d be proud of the woman I’ve become. I still tear up when I hear your song. I miss you every day, Grandma. I love you ❤️
April 21, 2020
April 21, 2020
Yesterday, Mom, we would have celebrated 81 years of your life here on earth. Your life is now in Heaven. What is it like? How do you spend your days there? Is there a morning and an evening? Do you craft? If so, I bet that you have an endless and perfect amount of supplies and make beautiful things! I bet you socialize a lot. Give our family a hug for me and whenever the time comes, I look forward to meeting them and hearing their stories. Bye for now. Love you always!
October 1, 2019
October 1, 2019
Hey Kiddo,
On the road again and wish you were with me. This is the way we talked about doing it.
Don't know how long on the road but I know you would enjoy every day.
Love -- Hubby
On the road again and wish you were with me. This is the way we talked about doing it.
Don't know how long on the road but I know you would enjoy every day.
Love -- Hubby
April 20, 2019
April 20, 2019
Happy Birthday in Heaven Mom! Today you would’ve been an official octogenarian. Missing you all of the time. Also, you would’ve been pleased to hear that I’ve used some of your craft supplies over the last year.
October 1, 2017
October 1, 2017
Hello Honey Whats Your Name,
We have had some perfect fall days.
love,
We have had some perfect fall days.
love,
April 20, 2017
April 20, 2017
Happy Birthday Sylvia,
And you are still older than me!
Love
And you are still older than me!
Love
December 18, 2016
December 18, 2016
Usually before we go to church, our family stops and grabs a snack and drink. John's snack today was Good and Plenty. Made me think of my Mom for that was one of her favorites. She would have smiled ☺
September 30, 2016
September 30, 2016
Hello Dear
I'm so pleased that we have this place to come to from time to time and remember the good things.
Love
I'm so pleased that we have this place to come to from time to time and remember the good things.
Love
May 9, 2016
May 9, 2016
Watching some of your movies; Ever After and Dear John. Something i think we would have done on Mother's Day.
April 20, 2016
April 20, 2016
Well, mama, if you can see this, today would have been your 77th birthday. You are in a much better place now. At least once a week since you've been not living on this earth, I am reminded of you and your gentle ways. I could be in the middle of nothing in particular and a thought of you comes to my mind. It always brings a teary smile. I wish I would have told you more while you were here of how much I appreciate you. You are loved. You are missed. You are treasured. Give JESUS a hug for me <3
February 14, 2016
February 14, 2016
Well Dear it was 51 years ago today that we became engaged. Would you like a chocolate?
Love you.
Love you.
November 15, 2015
November 15, 2015
Sylvia, I still miss you and you are still in my prayers.
October 1, 2015
October 1, 2015
Today was the two year anniversary of your passing. Thought about you lots today and miss you even more!
May 10, 2015
May 10, 2015
On Mother's Day 2015 (5.10.15), I am reminded of all the good memories I have of my Mom. The way she would make sure I would have trinkets or cards on special days. The way she would take care of me when I was sick. The way she would sing songs with me or play games with me. Her physical body is no longer, but her legacy lives on. Through Kristina's ability to make arts & crafts, through Larry's ability to have timely, gentle words and through my ability to encourage others to try new things. Through her sickness, she showed Dad how to be a care-giver and what it means to be selfless.
April 21, 2015
April 21, 2015
Sylvia, we are thinking about you on your birthday and so many other times...What wonderful memories we made, and great adventures we had - You truly are forever missed. Love, Dick and Roberta
April 20, 2015
April 20, 2015
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you.....
You are gone from here, but not forgotten. You have touched all our lives. GOD give her a big hug for me please and a head massage, she loves those
You are gone from here, but not forgotten. You have touched all our lives. GOD give her a big hug for me please and a head massage, she loves those
April 20, 2015
April 20, 2015
Well Sylvia, I don't know if there is internet service in heaven, and if there is I don't think you would be messing with it since you would do all of your written communicating using an IBM Selectric. But on the off chance that you are poking around - Happy Birthday Kiddo!
P.S. You are a year older than me.
P.S. You are a year older than me.
September 24, 2014
September 24, 2014
Soon it will be September 30, 2014. 1 year after her last request for food. 1 year after her last request to put a movie in for her. 1 year has past that I haven't freaked out in my mind that this could be "the call". 1 year since I've held her frail hand. 1 year after she graced us with her last smile. 1 year after I said my last good-bye. Oh so glad that she is no longer suffering. She was dying a very slow death and me having to watch her go through it without being able to do anything, but pray and hope. Pray is what I did. Then, it was time for her to go. Now I am left with pain that hits so unexpectedly and fiercely (like I had tonight). That kind of pain that takes your breath away because your heart is in your throat. Now I am left with thoughts on wishing I was a better daughter to her. Now I am left with emotions that overwhelm me at times. Now I am left with memories. Now I am left with time to reflect. Reflect on the bad, reflect on the good, reflect on what could have been. She was a loving, thoughtful mother. We didn't see eye-to-eye on many things, but unconditional love is what we shared. Now is what I am left with....til we meet again....
April 20, 2014
April 20, 2014
Today would have been her 75th birthday on Easter Day 2014. I miss her lots and I know that she would have loved having her birthday fall on a holiday and all the decorating that goes with it. We love you Mom!
October 20, 2013
October 20, 2013
I miss you so much! I know you are in a better place and that makes me feel better. I was just thinking about you lots lately and I am so glad to have had such a wonderful woman as my mom. Love you always!
Love, Ribbitt, your Easter frog...
Love, Ribbitt, your Easter frog...
October 13, 2013
October 13, 2013
Dear Larry and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Sylvia. I am sure she had a beautiful and
loving service. Your family has always been close and that is a wonderful
testament to your faith and family values.
I am sure Sylvia and my mom will connect in heaven.
I am so sorry to hear about Sylvia. I am sure she had a beautiful and
loving service. Your family has always been close and that is a wonderful
testament to your faith and family values.
I am sure Sylvia and my mom will connect in heaven.
October 9, 2013
October 9, 2013
We will miss her clever, humorous Christmas letter that we have been receiving since !979. It's been a long time since Ft Amador in the Canal Zone but we have such fond memories of you all and the friendship we shared there as neighbors and friends. Please know that our family sends our love to you all. The Sorrells-Al, Sandi, Will and Melissa
October 5, 2013
October 5, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss, your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dave & Diane Rasbaugh
Dave & Diane Rasbaugh
October 4, 2013
October 4, 2013
Kathleen Maddox wants to say, "what comes to mind are all the jazzercise, classes we took, the morning breakfasts we had at Mr. T's, the motorcycle rides we took along with the trips to Oak Glen & the hours of cards we played, you my good neighbor & friend will be missed by many"
October 3, 2013
October 3, 2013
What a beautiful tribute to your mom! We were blessed to have met her. We remember her as a lovely lady with a gentle disposition, who would send out the most beautiful handmade cards. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Love
Larry and Janet. XOXO
Love
Larry and Janet. XOXO
October 2, 2013
October 2, 2013
She was a wonderful grandmother and she will be missed. I wish I could have been there for her last days to tell her I love her and give her a hug. I love you grandma.
Whitley
Whitley
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
October 1, 2023
October 1, 2023
No words today. Just tears. Asking Jesus to give you hugs from me.
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2023
Mom, today your memory is right there in my heart and mind. I miss being able to call you and tell you about all the exciting goings on or even the regular daily grind. But more importantly I’m so glad that your suffering ended and you can be with us from heaven. I love you and will see you again.
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2023
Mom,
It’s been 10 years today since you’ve left this world, I think of you often. I know you’re in heaven free of pain and whole again. Lydia and I were talking about you last week and how you’re love language was giving. She remembers that vividly! She also misses you much. I love you and miss you and will see you again someday!
It’s been 10 years today since you’ve left this world, I think of you often. I know you’re in heaven free of pain and whole again. Lydia and I were talking about you last week and how you’re love language was giving. She remembers that vividly! She also misses you much. I love you and miss you and will see you again someday!
Gallery
But thought I'd share as I know you loved the beauty of Fall
It's not as beautiful as the sight you get to see
Autumn 2020 - I always think of you this season
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She sang so well, even after her stroke. Filled with teary smiles.
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Tribute to Mom
Family in Lawton Oklahoma 1976
Roberta, Sylvia and JoAnn
Grandma and Mom
Sylvia surrounded by some of her grandkids
Recent stories
Christmas 2013
December 22, 2013
A couple of days from now we will be meeting for Christmas for the first time without my Mom. I helped decorate my parents house. Getting everything out of storage brought back memories and I smiled thinking about them. My Mom helped create those memories. She made the house so welcoming and home-y. I decorated their house in honor of her, but it's not the same....it doesn't have "Mama's touch". My mom's love language was gift giving. Didn't matter the season, she just gave gifts. She was a very thoughtful woman. I will miss her this Christmas. I guess that phrase is true, "You don't know what ya got til it's gone"......
Video from Mom's memorial
November 3, 2013
This is the video I created and played at Mom's memorial. It's a bunch of pictures from different stages in her life preceded by a video that moved me when I saw it. Please have a look...
Kris
Our Friendship
October 3, 2013
When our family moved to Sturgis, Sylvia (who lived across the street) came over and introduced herself (we were both 5). I had made a friend! Our friendship remained intact over the years, even though we often lived far from each other. So many happy memories! Since returning to the area, Dick and I have shared more good times with both Sylvia and Larry.
Good-bye Beloved Friend...Until we meet again...May your kind, gentle soul rest in peace. Dick and Roberta