Barbara Welch

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Barbara Welch, age 76, of Duquesne, MO., passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026 at her home.

She was born in Aberdeen, MD, on June 24, 1949, to Carmel and Anneliese (Hanowski) Copley. Barbara spent the first portion of her life living all over the world. She always said she lived the gypsy life, packing up every few years and moving on. She lived in Sembach, Germany; Chicksands, England; Darmstadt, Germany; San Angelo, TX.; Clark AFB Philippines; San Vito AS Italy, Guam, Misawa AFB Japan, Hamilton AFB California and then her final move to Missouri.

She began work for Motorola/Display Technologies in 1979 and was there for 19 years. She retired from Tamko after 18 years. She was on the Duquesne City Council as an Alderman from 2014 to 2020. Her passion was building a Memorial Park, as a remembrance of the May 22, 2011 tornado that destroyed or damaged half the homes in Duquesne. The tornado was a time that brought neighbors together and a park would help continue that sense of community. She also served on the Duquesne Parks Committee, Variance Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission and was a member of Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin.

She is survived by her loving husband, Cecil Welch. He was God’s blessing to her. A daughter, Christine Mettlach of Sarcoxie, MO. and a son, Brian Lindsay of Granby, MO. One sister, Patricia Copley of Joplin, and on brother, Michael Copley (Candi) of Granby. She has six grandchildren, Christopher (Abby) Mettlach, Joshua (Bianca) Mettlach, Tucker Mettlach, Clara (Bradden) Smith, Anneliese Lindsay, Marshall Lindsay, and two great-grandchildren; Josephine and Eva Mettlach.

Graveside services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 at the Sarcoxie Cemetery in Sarcoxie, MO. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.