Beth Ann Welch-Durnell

Beth Ann Welch-Durnell, 62, a beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, with dignity and surrounded by love, with her husband at her side following a brief yet hard fought battle with cancer.

Born September 27, 1962, in Dover, Beth was the daughter of the late Robert O. Welch and the late Esther J. (Huffman) Gibbs. Beth lived a life filled with warmth, love and kindness.

A proud graduate of Claymont High School in 1980, she furthered her education at Muskingum College before ultimately graduating from Kent State University. Beth had worked in a managerial role at Fifth Third Bank in Columbus, where her leadership qualities shone brightly. She later joined Nationwide Insurance, dedicating herself to a long and esteemed career as a claims manager, where her work ethic and commitment earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.

Beth was not only accomplished in her career, but also in her personal life. Described as incredibly kind and welcoming, she was the epitome of a loving partner and a devoted mother. Her husband often remarked that he never needed to learn how to bake or cook as he had “a Beth,” whose culinary talents were widely known. While fixing dinner, Brad would play music and they would occasionally dance to her favorite song and she would remind him that “he was the love that finally came.” Beth cherished moments spent with her family, always ensuring to carve out time for monthly date nights with her husband—particularly over sushi—as they balanced their busy lives together.

A proud supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Beth was the heartbeat of many gatherings, hosting tailgate parties in her home. Friends and family alike fondly recall the fun and food as they gathered together to celebrate the Ohio State football season.

Among her many cherished moments, one of Beth's proudest accomplishments came when she became a finalist in the 2010 Pillsbury "Bake-Off" in Orlando, Florida, with her recipe for Buffalo Chicken Crescent Puffs. This achievement reflected not just her creativity, but also her dedication to sharing joy with others through food.

On May 18, 2003, Beth married Bradley Durnell and together they shared just over 22 years of marriage. Also surviving are their daughters, Laurel (Brandon) Malloy of Gahanna and Annie (Allen) Freeman of Mansfield; her infant grandson, Porter Freeman; her brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Lisa Welch of New Philadelphia; her mother-in-law, Joan Durnell of Gahanna; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Brian and Sandy Durnell of Gahanna; and numerous cousins, a niece and a nephew.

In addition to her parents, Beth was preceded in death by her father-in-law, David R. Durnell.

In keeping with Beth’s wishes, cremation care is to be provided by the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory at New Philadelphia and a private family graveside service will be held in Gnadenhutten Clay Union Cemetery at Gnadenhutten.

A “Tailgate” celebrating Beth’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at NorthStar Golf Club, 1150 Wilson Road, Sunbury, Ohio 43074, beginning one hour before kickoff of the Ohio State vs. Minnesota football game. Come, watch the game, celebrate Beth’s life and cheer on the Buckeyes.