Michelle Hackett Welch

Michelle Hackett Welch a lifelong Bend resident passed away on January 10 after an 8-year battle with breast cancer, she was surrounded by her family as she slipped from their hand into hands of Jesus. Michelle was born to Gene and Mary Hackett on October 20, 1960. Michelle grew up active in the 1st Baptist Church which is now called Foundry Church and loved her church home and upbringing. At age 4 Michelle gave her life to Jesus and her world was never the same after that decision. Michelle went to Bend Public Schools and graduated from Bend Senior High in 1978. She attended OCE and received a BS in Elementary Ed. Michelle was a lifelong lover of music and was accomplished performer on flute, piano and as a vocalist. She was active in choirs at school and church. Michelle distinguished herself as being voted outstanding choir member in Jr. High, High School and College choir. Michelle enjoyed performing in musicals and as a feature soloist in several musical productions. Michelle was a preschool teacher for 33 years and was the owner of Rainbow Express and helped to found Eastmont Community School. Michelle loved working with her students and found great joy in her students view of life. She loved it when her students would meet her in the community it was always a joyful reunion. Michelle’s greatest love was her family. She loved holidays, birthday and anytime the family got together. Michelle enjoyed cooking for her family, especially a St. Patrick’s Day Meal. Michelle loved reading and thought it was a crime to throw a book away. She loved going junkin (looking for antiques) and enjoyed having lunch with her friends and school staff. Michelle is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Bob and Melba Plummer, paternal grandparents Harold Hackett and Kathryn Morris, her mother Mary Crawford and a sister-in-law Melonnie Welch-Young. Michelle is survived by her father Gene Hackett, a brother Michael Hackett, her husband Patrick Welch, children Spencer and Lindsay Welch, Ryan and Mackenzie Groshong, Ethan and Jayne Welch, Taos Young, and grandchildren Olivia, Blake, Marek, Madden and Monroe. A celebration of life will take place on January 25 at 1:00 PM at Foundry Church Bend, Oregon. It will also be broadcast on the Foundry Church website. In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to Central Oregon Young Life and Partners in Care Bend.

Tributes

Michelle Hackett Welch

October 20, 1960 - January 10, 2025