Rita Welke

Rita M. Welke, 93 of McCleary Avenue, Amsterdam, NY passed away Thursday morning October 20, 2016 at Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility in Amsterdam.

Born in Amsterdam on August 30, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Mae Stager Whelly.

Rita received her education at St. Joseph’s Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam.

She was employed as a clerical worker and volunteer at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital in Amsterdam.

Rita was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Amsterdam, where she was also a volunteer in many capacities.

She was married to Floyd A. Welke on January 1, 1948. He passed away November 28, 2005.
Rita is survived by one daughter, Christina McIntire (Robert) of Clayton, NC; three sons, Michael Welke (Debra) of Hyde Park, NY; James Welke of Amsterdam and Peter Welke (Susan) of Schenectady, NY; one brother, George L. Whelly of Amsterdam, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Nieces and nephews also survive.

Rita was also predeceased by one brother, Bernard Whelly and two sisters, Doris and Shirley Whelly.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10:30 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010, followed at 11:15 by a Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

Calling hours are Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Riley Mortuary.

Rita’s family would like to thank the entire staff on the third floor of Wilkinson RHCF for all of the compassion and care they gave her, especially during her final few weeks.

Memorial gifts in Rita’s name may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny Corners Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010.