Sarah Welker

Sarah Elizabeth Welker (nee McMahon), 94, of Huron, died on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at Community Health Partners in Lorain following a sudden illness. She was born on August 14, 1913 in Groton Township and graduated from Sandusky High School in 1930. She received a B.S. in Education fro the Ohio State University in 1935, and also attended Hiram College, Bowling Green State University, Syracuse University and Ohio Northern University. Mrs. Welker spent much of her life as an educator, with over 41 years of service and experience. She worked for 5 months in the Rockford, Ohio area, 3 years for the White Eyes Local School District in Coshocton County, and 38 years at the Vermilion High School. She primarily taught business education, but also taught physical education. She was an advisor for school publications, directed plays, served as Senior Class advisor for 32 years and was the official scorer for basketball teams for many years. She wrote as a correspondent of Vermilion News for 10 years to the Lorain Morning Journal, the Sandusky Register and Elyria Chronicle Telegram. Her gifts and talents also reached out into various community organization, including being among the charter members of the Vermilion College Club and past president of the Beta Epsilon chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an honorary women�s educational organization. Other memberships included the Ohio Retired Teachers, Erie County Chapter, two terms on the Erie-Ottawa Community Mental Health Board and Erie County Democrat Central Committee. She served as the secretary of the Vermilion Township Zoning Commission from its inception in 1957 to 2007 as well as secretary of Vermilion Township Board of Zoning Appeals. She enjoyed over 60 years as a member of the Margaretta Grange, where her great-grandparents were charter members. She was a Democrat poll worker in the Mitiwanga Precinct and was the recipient of the Erie Regional Planning Commission Hall of Fame Award. She is survived by her husband, with whom she just celebrated her 68th wedding anniversary on August 31, Harold K. Welker of Huron; daughter, Nancy Lee Welker of Stow; son, James H. Welker of Huron; 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grand daughter. Preceding-her-in-death were her parents, James J. and Florence (nee Dining) McMahon and half-brother, Robert E. McMahon. Friends may call on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 from 4-8 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, where a funeral service will be on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 10:00 am. Matthew Humphrey, Life Celebrant, will officiate a service of celebration and faith. Entombment will be in Meadow Lawn Memorial Park, Huron.