Patricia "Pat" Joan (Horrall) Welsh

August 22, 1935 - October 18, 2020

Patricia “Pat” (Horrall) Welsh, 85, of Evansville, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. Pat was a lifelong resident of Southwestern Indiana. Pat was born August 22, 1935, at Decker Chapel in Knox County, Indiana, to Beryl and Lucille Horrall, who preceded her in death. Pat grew up on the family farm in Decker Chapel and was awarded State Fair Blue Ribbon as a young girl. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Indiana State and Master’s Degree from University of Evansville. Pat taught high school at Rex Mundi from 1961 to 1972 and then at Mater Dei from 1973 until her retirement in 1993. As a young teacher, she claimed Bob Griese as a prize pupil with whom she formed a lifelong friendship, following him all the way to the Rose Bowl, two Super Bowls (1971, 1972) and his hall of Fame induction in 1990. She loved dropping his name into conversations – mission accomplished one last time. Pat married Al Welsh on May 7, 1977. She and Al were fixtures at Mater Dei Wildcats athletic events, attending an estimated 1,500 football, basketball and volleyball games during her time teaching and in retirement. She loved to talk Mater Dei sports, especially football, with friends and family. Ever the teacher, she kept up with current events and never failed to share a noteworthy magazine article or book, always hoping to further enlighten her student. A lifelong learner, she taught herself to knit and crochet, and made countless gifts for family and friends over the years. Pat dearly loved her family and put the Horrall Reunion at the top of her to do list each July. She was the family historian, and enjoyed telling detailed stories about the Horrall clan to anyone who would listen. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Alfred Welsh, Evansville, stepchildren, Eric (Gena) Welsh of Evansville, Ind., Christopher (Michelle) of Fishers, Ind., and Tiffany of Evansville; brother Marlin “Buzz” Horrall of Vincennes, sisters Marilyn Bilskie of Vincennes, and Beverly Marchino of Danville, Ind; eight grandchildren Loren, Dalton, Shelbie, Samuel, Riley, Ellery Grace, Nina and Megan; great granddaughters, Auria and Naomi; many nieces, nephews and treasured friends. She had a special place in her heart for lifelong friends Gail Braun, Michael Thompson, and Shane Gerth, who stood by Pat through all life’s many ups and downs. Because of the pandemic, visitation and funeral services will be private for family only. The service will be live streaming on the Ziemer Funeral Home and Cremation Services Facebook page 20 minutes prior to 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2020. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 704 N. First Ave., Evansville, IN 47710 or Mater Dei High School, 1300 Harmony Way, Evansville, IN 47720. Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.