Heather N Welch

Heather Nicole Welch, 38, of Ellettsville, IN, formerly of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 3:42 pm Sunday, April 27, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. CST Friday, May 2, 2025, at Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with Scott Joseph officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. CST Thursday, May 1, 2025, in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. A public memorial service will also be held at 11:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at High Rock Church in Bloomington, IN. Memorials may be given to High Rock Church, Cancer Support Communities of Southern Indiana, or to her sons’ education fund in care of Eric Welch.

Heather was born on September 19, 1986, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Daniel Lee and Michelle Leann (Jones) Organ. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 2005 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Heather married her high school sweetheart, Eric Welch, on August 4, 2007. In 2008, they responded to God's call to move to Bloomington, IN, to help plant High Rock Church. Heather thoroughly devoted herself to raising and supporting her three sons. Her strength of will could not be dampened by illness as she continued to love and cheer for her boys.

A young woman full of irresistible life and love, she had a tangible effect on those around her. If there was a fun time to be had, it was often sparked by Heather’s imagination or playfulness. Whether going on adventures with her boys, challenging friends to races at the YMCA, squealing with joy when she caught the smallest fish in the lake, sharing new recipes at her table, or volunteering at church and school, she had a bounce in her step that buoyed those around her. She regularly used her quick wit and humor to spread joy, even in difficult times. Heather especially valued praying for young mothers and snuggling their babies. In everything, she loved deeply and boldly, having found strength in weakness, she shared it with those around her.

Heather was gifted with a beautiful voice. What began as a toddler singing for neighbors on the front porch evolved into high school musicals and eventually a constant melody in her home. Her love of worship carries on now as she is singing freely to her Lord, face to face.

Heather is survived by her husband, Eric; three sons, Ben, Jack, and Owen Welch; parents, Dan and Michelle Organ of Shelbyville, IL; sisters, Christle Watson (Ronnie Miller) of Maroa, IL, and Tiffany Nichols (Erin) of Fort Stewart, GA; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Alissa Welch of Shelbyville, IL; sister-in-law, Kristen Nicole Welch of Shelbyville, IL; grandmother, Nancy Jones of Shelbyville, IL; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Don Jones, Doris Rincker (Clarence), and James and Madonna Organ; and niece, Keira Watson.