Wanda Sue Welch, age 74, of Hollywood, passed from this life on Monday, May 8, 2023, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs. She was born December 21, 1948, in Gurdon, the daughter of the late William Wesley and Evia Jewel Barrong Gentle. Wanda was a graduate of Arkadelphia High School and Arkadelphia Beauty College. She owned and operated Gentle Touch Beauty Shop and worked for Hollywood Vassarette and Reynolds Metal Company during her career. Wanda was a member of New Life Church. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, fishing, and working in her flower garden in her free time. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, James "Bill" Gentle and Charlie Gentle, three sisters, Betty Taylor, Pat Overton and Peggy Palmere.

Survivors are her husband, Walter "Pat" Welch of Hollywood, one son, Chad Wesley Welch of Arkadelphia, two daughters, Karen Schmidtman (Kurt) of Florida and Leslie Welch of Hot Springs, two grandchildren, Lynlea Ellis and Wes Welch and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday May 12, 2023, at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia with Bro. Martin Jones and Bro. Dwight Craig officiating.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday.

Interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers are Wes Welch, Chad Welch, Joe Beeler, Byron Taylor, Chris Frazier, and Rickey Frazier.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.