Judy Welch ? a long-time local journalist and advocate for the developmentally disabled ? died early Friday morning after a period of declining health. She was 71.
Welch was part of the original partnership that led to the founding of NewsCow.net.
"Judy was a journalist whose knowledge of the area and connections with sources made her key to growing the traffic of this site," NewsCow editor Shane Farley said. "In our early days when reader interest was minimal, she pushed us to continue our efforts to provide Cowley County with an alternative news source. I am appreciative and grateful for all she did to make this site grow."
She contributed to NewsCow until 2009.
Welch also worked for the Winfield Daily Courier and Ark City Traveler before retiring in 2006.
She was also a founding board member for Winfield’s Creative Community Living, an organization that provides care for the developmentally disabled.
Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Miles Funeral Service. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Friends may call at Miles on Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Family will greet visitors from 6 to 8 that evening.
Memorials have been established in Judy’s name for the American Heart Association and for Creative Community Living of Winfield. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
