Lora Welty

Lora Welty, 44, of Robinson, IL, passed away on October 16, 2023, at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL. She was born on June 1, 1979, at Clay County Hospital in Flora, IL, and spent her childhood moving around the state before eventually settling in Robinson. A graduate of Robinson High School in 1997, Lora was a lively part of the chorus and an active member of the Key Club. Her dedication paid off as she secured a scholarship through the Key Club and furthered her education at Lincoln Trail College. Lora wore many hats during her work life, beginning her hospitality career as a desk clerk at the Quail Creek Country Club, where she would spend 17 illuminating years. Always yearning to connect with people, she moved on to Best Western before finally ending her career at the Country View Inn & Suites. Despite her declining health, Lora became the President of the Resident Council at Ridgeview. She didn't accept the position for the title but because it was an opportunity to uplift others and to advocate for her fellow residents - a testimony to her selflessness.

If there was one thing that Lora knew how to do best, it was to listen. Lora didn't just hear words; she absorbed every emotion and sentiment behind them. She had a magnetic personality that resonated love, friendliness, and optimism. Everyone who met Lora experienced her authentic goodness, inspiring them to reciprocate the love that seemingly flowed out of her. Her resilience through life's struggles was nothing short of inspiring. Always wearing the cloak of positivity, Lora transformed the pain she felt into power and the adversity she experienced into wisdom - a painful yet beautiful journey that led her to believe that her situation did not define her.

Speaking of a painful journey, she was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball and Bears football fan and always stuck by their side, knowing full well that they would disappoint her! Yet, she was never disappointed by the works of her favorite author, Julie Garwood, and she enjoyed countless other romance novels as well. Diamond painting and crocheting were Lora's creative outlets, and she was especially fond of making baby blankets for her nieces and nephews. Throughout her 44, it was apparent that she was devoted to her whole family, but she shared an extraordinary bond with her mother, Claudia Jean. The fierce comrades tackled life's challenges together, providing a poignant image of undying strength and unconditional love. Even in her twilight days, Lora remained the ever-comforting soul, wiping away her family's tears instead of her own.

At the end, she claimed to be a failure, but we know that the measure of success is not in material wealth but in the lives one touches. By that measure, Lora Welty was successful beyond measure. Thank you, Lora, for your wonderful, shining example. We'll see you soon!

She is survived by her brothers & sisters-in-law, Michael & Lorrie Welty (Robinson, IL), and Matthew & Christina Welty (Overland Park, KS); by her nephews and nieces, Christopher M. Welty, Lucas M. Welty, Holly A. Welty, and Hannah L. (Welty) Turner; as well as a number of extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul H. Welty & Claudia Jean (Finch) Welty.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A memorial service will immediately follow and be held at 2:00 p.m. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to her memorial fund, with checks made payable to "Goodwine Funeral Homes".