Obituary

Jane Chesky Welch, 89, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, pianist, anthopologist and author died October 24, 2006. She was born in Halstead on September 12, 1917 to Emma and Victor Ernest Chesky. She graduated from Halstead High School in 1935, earned a degree in music from the University of Kansas in 1939, followed by a master's in anthopology from the University of Arizona. While living in the Southwest, she co-authored a book about Papago culture entitled "The Dessert People." Jane suspended work on her PhD at the University of Chicato when she married Jack Welch in 1944, but her intellectual curosity and passion for learrning lasted a lifetime. After her husband completed his medical training, the couple settled in Halstead where he established a practice at the Hertzler Clinic.

Jane and Jack were active in the life of the community and together raised four children. She served as Republican precinct committee woman and was active in Harvey County Republican affairs. She directed the Halstead Presbyterian Church choir for 25 years, served on the Halstead Library Board and was instrumental in saving and preserving the Halstead train depot. She was a founding member of the Halstead Historical Society, lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church and a member of PEO, Chapter AK.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joe and Vic and husband Jack. Survivors: daughters, Susan, Ruder, Sara Welch and son Alan Welch.

Services were held at the Presbyterian Church with burial in the Halstead Cemetery.