Dennis Ruskin Welch

Dennis Ruskin Welch, age 69, of Kirbyville, Missouri, passed away February 25, 2021 in Springfield Missouri.

 

He was born on November 5, 1951 in Saint John, Kansas to Vernal Ruskin Walch and Wanda (Gilley Welch) Gentry. They moved to Willow Springs, Missouri where Dennis grew up. He attended Willow Springs School, graduating with the class of 70. Dennis was a big sports fan; especially football and basketball, playing both through his school years. Baseball was another sport he enjoyed during the summer months until his late thirties. Dennies married Peggy Marshal and they had a son, Ruskin. They were later divorced. Dennis went to work for the Postal Service in WIllow Springs, Missouri. Later moving on to Kirbyville, Missouri where he was appointed Postmaster. 

 

He soon met and married Rhonda Olvera. She had a daughter Mandy and together they had a son Riley. Rhonda became a victim of cancer and passed away in 2011. Dennis retired from the Postal Service in 2013. He soon found out the retirement and being alone wasn’t what he planned. He went to work at Wyndham Resorts in Branson, Missouri and was still working there when he passed away. 

 

Dennis leaves behind his two sons Rushkin and Riley Welch; his wife, Peggy Welch; a step-daughter, Mandy Stauffer;  his mother, Wanda Gentry; a sister, Brenda (Kenneth) Koontz; six grandchildren, Dusty (Mason) Sadler, Dawson Welch, Bristol Welch, Collin Stauffer, Maddox Cooper and a new grandson named Coleman born the week of Dennis’s surgery, (He never did get to meet him before his passing);  three nieces, Stacy Hylton, Kerri Rodgers and Amy Berry; two sister-in laws Tammy Hilton and Alice Marshall, (their help during his illness is much appreciated); a brother-in-law Doug Mann; along with several cousins and friends.

 

Dennis ws preceded in death by his wife Rhonda. His father Vernal Welch, his Step Father Jay Gentry, his mother in law Carol Mann, grandparents  Luther and Hettie (Bushong) Welch. 

 

Dennis was a friendly person. Keeping in touch with many of his classmates and friends through the years. He will be greatly missed. 

 

Memorial Services will be held March 5, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Snapp Bearden Funeral Home in Branson, MO.