Cassie Welch

O n May 8, 2025, at the age of 91, Cassie Welch peacefully passed away and was welcomed into heaven by all those she loved.

Cassie, daughter of Glen and Doris Bryant, was born at home in the Sandhills of Keith County, north of Paxton, on June 25, 1933.  The Bryant family moved to the "big city" of Sarben when she was three.  Cassie and her five siblings were raised during the Depression in a poor but loving, happy family.  Her mother was very picky about the children being neat and clean but Cassie had other ideas, especially when it came to combing her hair.  It took a while, but Cassie finally realized that if she didn't straighten up and behave she'd never get to play.

She attended school at Sarben through the 4th grade, then it closed and she had to attend school in Paxton.  During her sophomore year she met Donald Welch and by her senior year they were engaged.  Cassie graduated from Paxton High School in 1951 then she and Don were united in marriage on September 11, 1951, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Paxton.  Since Don was serving in the U.S. Army the young couple started their life together at Ft. Sill in Lawton, OK.

After Don was shipped overseas to fight in the Korean War, Cassie moved back home and stayed with his folks.  She worked as a waitress at the Ideal Cafe then as bookkeeper for Kildare Lumber.  When Don returned, he and Cassie settled on a farm southwest of Paxton and farmed, ranched and raised registered black angus.  She and Don eventually retired and moved to North Platte.  They were married for 64 years when he passed away in 2015.

Cassie's dream in life had always been to marry and have babies, and that dream came true as she became the mother of 7 children!  Marriage also brought Cassie into the Catholic church, since Don was Catholic, Cassie joined the church.  Her faith has guided her and given her the strength to accept the challenges of motherhood and overcome obstacles throughout her life.

Cassie was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Paxton and North Platte.  She was involved in many activities over the years including bowling, playing cards, sewing, extension club, hobby club, church, and of course, socializing.  She was a caring, devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  The greatest loves throughout her life were her husband and family, but most importantly, her faith in God.
When you remember Cassie, remember what she said, " Love one another as I have loved you!"

Cassie is survived by her children, Becky Vandewalker and Pat Welch (Teresa) of North Platte, Diane Gonzalez (Leo) of Lexington,  Michael Welch of North Platte, William Welch (Judy) of Paxton, Thomas Welch of North Platte and Gina Covington (Scott) of Vancouver, WA; grandchildren, Matt Welch (Crystal), Melissa Moorhous (Brad), Austin Welch (Brittney), Jeremy Evans (Mandy), Sadie Worthing (Brad), Jesse Evans (Mary), Chloe Gonzalez (Edwin Perdomo), Barron Gonzalez, Kolby Welch, Willie Welch, Audrea Welch, Emily Hernandez (Noel), Max Covington and Alex Covington; 23 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Gayle Wid and Norma Tridle of Paxton; her special friend, Don McMains of North Platte; as well as many other family members and friends.

Along with her husband Don, Cassie was preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Glen Bryant; sisters, Bernice Pieper and Vera Keller; brother, Boyd Bryant; three infant siblings; her sisters-in-law, Cecilia Rice, Emma Cooper, Ginger Bryant, Relma Bryant and Joy Suhr; brothers-in-law, Ron Rice, Orville Pieper, Carl Wid, Carl Cooper and Richard Tridle; parents-in-law, Bob and Iliean Welch; and grandchildren, Connor Covington and Molly Welch.

Services are Monday, May 12, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in North Platte. Rosary begins at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will follow in the Paxton Cemetery.  Visitation is prior to services at the church.  Memorials are to the North Platte Opportunity Center.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.