Merle Viola Kendall Welch Repp passed away at her home in Kennewick in her sleep February 24, 2014. She was born to Laura Viola Beegle and Lawrence Harry Kendall February 21, 1920 in Kiona, Washington. Merle graduated from Kiona-Benton High School in May 1937. Following graduation, Merle and E.H. "Jack" Welch were married in June of 1937. From that union came five children, Nathan, Stanley, Lauralea, Eddie and Lou. Merle's husband died in March of 1960 at age 47. Subsequently she met and married Loren James Repp in May 1961 and from the merging of these two families came three new brothers for the Welch family. Loren Repp's boys meshed nicely with the Welch family as Loren Gene, Larry William, and Patrick James. Mother has been a Christian since she committed her life to Christ in 1953. She enjoyed family gatherings and looked forward to those happy times. She also was very close to and supported Kennewick Baptist Church and enjoyed her church family. Merle was survived by her children, Nathan (Jeanne) Welch, Gene (Kathy) Repp, Stanley (Earla) Welch, Bill (Joyce) Repp, Lauralea Welch, Patrick (Janell) Repp, Lou (Cindy) Welch; daughter-in-law, Carol Welch; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Welch; second husband, Loren Repp; and her son Eddie. The family is especially appreciative to Betti Slocumb, mother's special friend. We thank Dr. Deepa Upadhyaya for her kind and compassionate care of our mother. Also, thank you Dr. Alex Najera for your kind thoughtful care. There will be a service at Kennewick Baptist Church, 2425 West Albany in Kennewick, Washington on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.