Martha Ann Welchans

Martha Ann Bidwell Welchans entered into eternal rest at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 23 days, under the loving care of her family and Iowa Hospice on February 23, 2012, at her country home south of Farragut. Martha Ann Bidwell was born in Red Oak, Iowa, on September 1, 1926, the second daughter of Kenneth O. Bidwell and Hope Ann (Allen) Bidwell. Later on Martha, her parents, and her older sister Araruth moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, and lived there for a short time before moving to Farragut, Iowa. Soon a new sister, Jane, was born and after some time, brother John completed the family. Martha attended Farragut High School where she was active in many school activities, graduating in 1943. She enjoyed girls' basketball while she was in high school and in her adult life was an avid fan, supporter, and sponsor of Farragut girls' basketball. Following her graduation, she attended business school in Omaha. At that time the family moved to Casper, Wyoming, where her father worked for the railroad. During her time in Casper, Martha worked for an insurance agency. In 1948 Carl Welchans, a classmate at Farragut High School, returned from World War II. Carl traveled to Mart...[more]

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s home in Casper where they were married on November 23, 1948. They returned to Iowa where Carl had purchased a farm, and they made a home and raised three sons: Dave, Kenny and Bill. Martha was a farm wife for many years and later worked as a census taker. She particularly enjoyed selling Avon products and worked for several years as a ward clerk at Grape Hospital in Hamburg. Martha was employed in Dr. Jerry Schaaf's medical offices in Sidney, Farragut, and Shenandoah, for over twenty years. She also worked in the offices of Shenandoah Medical Center until her retirement. Preceding her in death were her parents, Kenneth and Hope Bidwell, sister Araruth Nihart, and nephew John Bidwell,Jr. Martha is survived by her husband of 64 years, Carl B. Welchans of rural Farragut; son David A. Welchans and special friend Sheryl Sanders of rural Farragut; son Kenneth C. Welchans and wife Peggy Sue of rural Farragut; son William B. Welchans and wife Angie of Farragut; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; a sister Jane Norman and husband Dave of Moorcroft, Wyoming; brother John Bidwell and wife Carol of Casper, Wyoming; and many other relatives and friends. A memorial is currently being established