Regina "Samie" Madge Dunn Welch, 88, of Edwardsville, IL, passed away on December 13, 2025 with her loving family by her side. Samie was born on March 2, 1937, in Mount Sterling, IL, the daughter of James and Mary (Woods) Dunn.

Samie was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Springfield, IL, in 1955. She married William "Bill" Welch on September 1, 1955, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Springfield, IL. Throughout their 65 years of marriage, they enjoyed a beautiful life of travel, gambling and dancing.

She enjoyed traveling, especially to New Orleans and Las Vegas, and cherished sharing her love of the beach through trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama, creating lasting memories with her children and grandchildren. Most notably, she found great joy in making Christmas special for her family, and ensured that even this Christmas, her presence will be felt.

Samie lived life on her own terms and without regret. She often said she had the best family in the world, one that brought her immense happiness. She stood firm in her convictions as a young woman, building a marriage and family rooted in love and perseverance. Her greatest accomplishment was caring for her son Scott, facing every obstacle with strength and unwavering devotion.

Samie is survived by her three children who will cherish her memory, Deborah (Tim) Ruwe of Hobe Sound, FL; Erin (Kevin) Welch Bergman of Vero Beach, FL; and Scott Welch of Edwardsville, IL; five grandchildren, Clint Ruwe of Edwardsville, IL; Cole Ruwe of St. Augustine, FL; Alyssa (Nolan) Martz of Moro, IL; Roderick (Whitney) Bergman of Gunnison, CO; Quintin (Kendra) Bergman of Vero Beach, FL; and seven great-grandchildren, Sullivan Ruwe; Collins, Palmer Mae and Quinn Martz; Riley and Brody Bergman; Brynlee Bergman. Samie also has two surviving sisters Joane Dunn Forgas and Eleanor Dunn Novotnak of Springfield, IL.

In addition to her parents, James and Mary (Woods) Dunn, Samie was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her sisters, Helen Dunn Hartman (Carl), Elizabeth "Betty" Dunn Sowarsh (Porter), Marcella Dunn Dahlkamp (William), and Dorothy Dunn Neuman (Wilber).

Samie was an incredible wife, mother, Nanny and Gigi whose quick wit and undeniable laugh will be dearly missed. She will be remembered for her resilience, deep love for her family, and the way she lived life—her way.

After a private family burial, Samie will be honored at a Celebration of Life on a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family is being served by Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, Illinois  62034.