Berniece Elaine Welp

It is with heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Berniece (Bunny) Welp, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, on June 9, 2026, at the age of 98 surrounded by her loving family. Berniece leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. Bunny was born on May 21, 1928, in Portland, Oregon, to Oliver and Lilah Northrup. She graduated from Washington High School in Portland, where she formed lifelong friendships. August 23, 1947, Berniece married her high school sweetheart, Allen Welp, in Portland, Oregon, with many of their friends in their wedding party. She was a cheerleader and he was an athlete. Their union spanned 72 years. Bunny's greatest joy was family and friends. She extended her love and support to her three children: Kenneth (Lynn), Gary (Kathy), and Trudy (Wayne); seven grandchildren-Britta Peterson (Allen), Marla Welp (Noah McLain Philpot): Keith Welp (Janet), Kristie Battavio (Kevin), Andrew Kelsoe, Aaron Kelsoe, and Lisa Hooley (Dave) and now thirteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and happiness. Bunny and Allen shared a passion for traveling the western United States with their family, creating memories that their children will treasure forever. In retirement, Bunny and Allen spent 35 years "snow birding" with the many friends they met along the way. They loved square dancing, lawn bowling and golf. They also mixed in some international travel. Throughout her life, Bunny took on various roles from working as a theater usher and telephone operator to serving as a bank teller and foods demonstrator. She exhibited a strong work ethic. Her tenure as a clerk in the registrar's office at Oregon Technical Institute (now known as OIT) was particularly meaningful, as she enjoyed being part of an academic community. Bunny had an extraordinary ability to make friends wherever she went. Her home was always open, a gathering place filled with laughter, stories, and and the aromas of her delicious cooking. Her friends and family will remember her for her infectious smile and generous spirit. Her husband Allen predeceased his sweetheart Bunny on Valentine's Day 2020. Their daughter, Trudy Kelsoe, predeceased Berniece by just two months. (Trudy's husband, Wayne, predeceased her in Nov. 2022.) The family extends their deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff of Golden Age Living and Agape Hospice NW, who provided exceptional care and companionship to Bunny during the last five years of her life. A Celebration of Berniece's Life will be on Jun 27th in Albany, Oregon at the home of Ken Welp, where family and friends will come together to honor her amazing journey and the countless lives she touched. We celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but forever cherished in our hearts.

Berniece Elaine Welp

May 21, 1928 - June 9, 2026