Annette Elizabeth VanValin Welty was born Jan. 1, 1932, in Williamsport. She went to be with the Lord Aug. 29, 2012. Annette was the daughter of the late Dr. Francis and Elizabeth VanValin. She is survived by a sister, Joyce Jones of Churchville, N.Y.; a brother, Dr. Robert VanValin of Williamsport; a daughter, Joyce Finn of Beaufort, S.C.; a son, Reid Welty of Aptos, Calif.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
She was married to Dr. Guy Rollin Welty, who passed away in 2010. They lived in Aptos, Calif., for 56 years and greatly enjoyed life together, especially playing duets, she on the piano and he on the tuba.
Annette was very involved in the music ministry at Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Aptos. She played piano, organ, and violin and sang in the choir. She also played in the bell choir.
Annette was also a special education teacher in California and was instrumental in developing new programs for children with special needs by teaching them new ways of learning that were tailored to each student. This was her passion as a teacher, and she loved her students.
Annette spent her retirement years enjoying gardening, reading and making a mean apple pie! Mostly, though, she was a dedicated servant of Christ and lived to serve the needs of others. She took joy in putting others first, whether that was in ironing her husband's suits, hemming clothes for her family, helping with her grandchildren with homework, or talking sports with friends. She will be dearly missed by her friends and especially by her family as a dear mom and grandma.
Submitted by family.
