Obituary of Benita Welker

Benita Welker, 92, formerly of 131 McKinley Ave. Jamestown, passed away at 5:30 pm Monday, December 9, 2019, in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center. An area resident since coming to the United States in 1950, she was born May 6, 1927 in Estonia, the only daughter of the late Waldermare and Jenny Kangropool Poder. Before her retirement, she was employed as a sales clerk for the former Carnahan's Clothing Store for 17 years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1951, where she was an active volunteer for many church ministries in previous years. She had also volunteered for the American Cancer Society. Surviving are her three children; Kate Welker of Everett, MA, Thomas (Yvonne) Welker of Farmington, PA, James (Kari) Welker of Lakewood, NY and a grandson Benjamin Welker of Lakewood, NY. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Welker whom she married September 18, 1954 and who died December 2, 2018. A private family service will be held in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Robert J. Hagel, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Ave. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750.