Ethelreda Elizabeth Welter

Ethelreda Elizabeth Welter, 93, of Welter Rd., Butler, passed away peacefully Friday, February 25, 2022 at the home of her daughter while in the presence and prayers of her loving family.  

Ethelreda was born in Great Belt, PA on June 23, 1928, the daughter of Joseph and Eleanora Cramer Widenhofer.

Ethelreda was a devout Catholic and received her first eight years of education at St. Mary School in Herman and graduated from Butler High School.  She was a devoted long time active member of St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church in Carbon Center. In 1953, she met and married the true love of her life, William P. “Bill” Welter Jr.  The Welter’s enjoyed a 62 year marriage, raising seven children, cherishing every day together while working side by side and hand in hand at the family business at their farm.  Mr. Welter preceded her in death on December 27, 2015.  Ethelreda was the family matriarch.  Her most cherished callings were serving God and tending to the needs of her family.  Upon her arrival in Heaven, she most assuredly heard the words of her Savior in the Gospel of Matthew, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” She lived a full and active life and enjoyed cuddling babies, crocheting, growing her vegetable and flower gardens, especially roses, canning, and volunteering at church picnics and events.  She looked forward to traveling with her husband and enjoyed a host of other creative activities.

She is survived by her children, William Welter, III and his wife Marlene, Dr. Elan (Eleanora) Welter Lewis, Margaret Lamison and her husband, James, Timothy Welter and  his wife, Lori, Shirley Simpson and her husband, William, and Terry Welter and his wife Michele; a daughter-in-law, Tamara Welter. Ethelreda was proud of her 27 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.  She is additionally survived by her youngest brother, Eugene Widenhofer and his wife, Shirley, who continue to reside at the Widenhofer childhood home.  Ethelreda is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law who brought her much joy.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ethelreda was preceded in death by a beloved son, Edward Joseph Welter, two grandsons, Christopher Ryan Lewis and Brian Mark Lewis, as well as her older siblings, Gerald, Mary Catherine, LeRoy, Joseph, and Wilbert.

The family respectfully requests that you share your stories of remembrance with them at visitation from 2 – 8 p.m. Thursday at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora. A Funeral Mass  will be celebrated at Noon Friday at Saint Wendelin Roman Catholic Church, 210 St. Wendelin Rd., Butler with Rev. Matthew McClain, pastor of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, officiating,  followed by a time of fellowship and a meal in the church hall.  Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Herman.  Memorial contributions may be made to St.  Wendelin Catholic School, 211 St. Wendelin Rd., Butler, PA 16002.  Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com