Mary L. Welch, age 90, of Ash Flat, Arkansas passed away at Eaglecrest Nursing Home on Friday, April 3rd, 2026. Mary was born on the Towner farm in Centralia, Washington, the second of seven children. As the eldest daughter of a widower, Mary learned about caretaking, homemaking and hard work, which helped her become the loving and dedicated daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and friend that she was to all who knew her.

In 1955, at Fort Lewis, Washington, she met and married Donald Martin of Ash Flat, Arkansas, and they returned to his hometown in the mid 1960's. Mary is preceded in death by her parents Alfred C. and L. Marianne (Loughin) Towner; brothers Robert, Victor and George Towner, all of Washington; husbands Donald Martin and Clifton Welch of Arkansas; two infant daughters and an infant son.

Mary is survived by her son Ronald Martin (Kristy) of Ash Flat, Arkansas; three sisters, Joan Towner of Oregon, Francis Firth and Annette Otto (Bill) of Washington; four grandchildren, Whitney Martin-Tharp (Zachary), Tavner Martin (Leighann), Logan Martin (Christine) and Hannah Siebenmorgen, all of Arkansas; six great-grandchildren, Callie Martin, Adilynn Martin, Liam Martin, Jaxon Warden, Skylar Warden and Hadley Siebenmorgen; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Mary was a devout Catholic who loved to cook, crochet, travel and especially loved to care for and spend time with her family. She will be remembered by many for her jolly laugh, prolific fine crochet work, and her love for her family and friends.