Darlene Welch

April 26, 1949 - June 12, 2023
Darlene Welch, 74, of Ludlow, SD, passed away at her home June 12, 2023.
Memorial Services for Darlene will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Ludlow Hall.
Violet "Darlene" Krambeer was born April 26, 1949 in Vale, SD to Robert "Bob" and Violet (Wilkinson) Krambeer. She was the youngest and had one older brother, Donald Krambeer. They lived in a sod house north of Sorum, SD. She attended grade school at the Stevenson School east of Sorum and the North Strool School east of Prairie City. Her parents moved to Buffalo her 8th grade year. In 1966, she competed in the first Junior Miss Competition in Harding County and won Miss Congeniality. Darlene graduated from Harding County High School in 1967. She then attended Rapid City Business College and moved to North Carolina with Dawn Gress for a year. She still talked about the adventures they had out there. After returning, Darlene and Mick Welch started dating in the spring of 1969 and then married November 28, 1969. They moved the house from the Tufte place north of Ludlow to the Welch ranch 1 mile south of Ludlow where they started their family of three daughters Lark, Jean, and Lacy. 
Darlene drove the rural mail route for the surrounding area of Ludlow for 46 years through sunshine, rain, snow, mud, flat tires, and anything else you can imagine! Along with driving the mail and raising their daughters, Darlene helped with every aspect of the ranch. She enjoyed the spring time the most. She especially enjoyed being out in the lambing barn and tending to her garden and planting flowers. Darlene had a gift of hosting and was known for her fudge, homemade buns, and caramel rolls. Mick benefited the most from her freshly packed homemade lunches every morning! 
Darlene was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, grandma, and a great friend. Darlene traveled thousands of miles driving the mail, running to town for parts, and supporting their daughters in their many activities growing up. Her support and love continued for Lark, Jean, and Lacy through their adult years and she was always so proud of them. Over the years Darlene had become a second mom to many of Lark, Jean, and Lacy's friends near and far, as well as to her own nieces and nephews. In these later years she cherished her role as grandma and even became a second grandma to her daughters' friends' kids. Darlene was happiest on the ranch but also enjoyed traveling to visit family and getting to do a little shopping. She was always a phone call away and up for a cup of coffee or tea and a good visit. She liked watching rodeos and listening to gospel music. Darlene Loved the Lord and it was visible in her big smile whenever you saw her.  
Darlene is survived by her husband Mick, her daughters Lark Welch (Chad Schon), Jean (Will) Bellamy, and Lacy (Jeromy) Schneider; grandchildren Jaya Bellamy, Dawson and Hannah Schneider; her brother Donald Krambeer; her aunt Bessie (Wilkinson) Campbell, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. 
Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.