Richell DeAnn (James) Welch, 56, often affectionately referred to as "Momma Bear," was born September 24, 1969, and peacefully slipped past the veil into the presence of the Lord, January 5, 2026, 6:30 P.M., in the company of her loving and committed daughter, Kye Holden.

Richell was born at Rio Hondo Memorial Hospital, Downey County, Los Angeles, California, to Georgeann Marie (Blakey) James and Dennis Raymond James. She was the second of five children: Lori, Richell, Heather, Darren and Jason, and took on the role of helping care for her younger siblings very early in life. She was naturally very maternal.

Richell got married on September 30, 1983, to Ryan Scott Welch and started her family. She loved being a mother and gave birth to three children, Ryan (who preceded her in death), David and Kye. She was truly a wonderful mother.

Richell was gifted with many talents and took on many hobbies. She could cook, bake, create delightful desserts rightfully called "Richell's Divine Delights," sew, make goat milk soaps, lotions, and a number of other things (one of her most sought-after products was her burn balm! Everyone could use some in their kitchen). Among her hobbies, she also bred dogs (Pomeranians and Great Pyrenees) as well as milk goats (mostly Nubian stock).

Her kindness and pure heart was remarkable. To know her was to love her, because she first loved you. She loved so openly and only wanted to brighten the lives of those around her. She dedicated her life to lifting others up, regardless of her own circumstances.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Georgeann James; two uncles, David and Dennis Blakey; as well as her first born son, Ryan; and first born granddaughter, Sarah.

In her last two years, she battled cancer with grace, humility, patience, and determination. Some of her favorite quotes in life were "You are not rich by what you have, but by what you can do without," as well as "Endure to the End," which she most certainly did.

She was truly an example of meekness, hope, faith, loyalty, perseverance and peacemaking. She was the best listener a friend or family member could hope to have. May we honor her example and legacy by striving to improve ourselves & lift those around us.

A funeral service for Richell will be held at 10 A.M., Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Madisonville, Texas. Gene Ross will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Jozye Cemetery. A public visitation will take place from 9 A.M. until the time of service.

Pallbearers: David Welch, David Holden, Darren James, Jimi Odom, David Nell, Derrick Macie, JD Odom, Travis Odom

Arrangements are under the direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.