Catherine June Kelch

Catherine June "Junebug" Kelch (Porch)'s Story 1938 - 2026 Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great-grandmother and friend. Catherine June Kelch passed away unexpectedly on January 30th, 2026, following sudden and consecutive brain hemorrhages. She was 87. Surrounded by loved ones the passing was a shock which left us all devastated, crushed and heartbroken in disbelief. Born on July 29, 1938, in Newport, New Jersey, Catherine grew up along the Atlantic Ocean's serene shores. Her coastal upbringing instilled a lifelong love for the sea and outdoor activities such as fishing, clamming, and water skiing. Catherine also excelled in roller skating and bowling, earning numerous accolades for her skills. She shared her enthusiasm for these pastimes with her children, teaching them to roller skate, bowl, and water ski with the same joy that defined her own pursuits. Catherine's life was deeply rooted in family. She met her first husband while he was stationed in Atlantic City with the Navy. Together they had seven children and traveled across the United States due to his work with NASA's space program. Later in life, she found love again with David Adams, who introduced her to bluegrass music-a genre she came to cherish for its gospel roots. Catherine eventually married William S. Kelch Ir., her devoted husband of 41 years. The couple built a loving home together in Lithonia, Georgia Despite facing significant challenges-including a devastating house fire just one year before her passing-Catherine's resilience and faith remained unwavering as they relocated to live with their daughter in Conyers. Creativity was a defining aspect of Catherine's life. A talented art collector and dealer, she shared her appreciation for beauty through both professional endeavors and personal hobbies. Her artistic talents extended to gardening, sewing, quilting, and crafting. From flourishing gardens nurtured under her care to matching holiday outfits lovingly sewn for her children, Catherine's creations brought joy to those around her. Faith was the cornerstone of Catherine's existence. Her devotion to God guided every aspect of her life-from singing passionately in the church choir to finding solace through prayer during challenging times. She lived by the belief that "everything happens for a reason," inspiring those around her to find hope amidst adversity. Known for her generosity and compassion, Catherine opened both her home and heart to anyone in need. Catherine is lovingly remembered by her husband of 41 years, William S. Kelch Jr.; daughters Sharon Kay Bratlie and Charlotte Rae Bratlie; sons Darryl Clayton Bratlie, Raymond Evan Bratlie, and Ronald Wayne Bratlie; grandchildren Clayton Tyler Bratlie, Jessica Rae Welch, Leah Daniel Bratlie, Garrett Smith Bratlie, Faith Acton Bratlie, Alexia Michelle Bratlie, Brittany Rochelle Bratlie, Hunter Wayne Bratlie, and Amber Nicole Bratlie; as well as great-grandchildren Carlee Rae Welch, Nathaniel Lee Smith, Jamie Marie Bratlie, Brayden Tyler Bratlie, Katie Rose Welch, and Catori Faye Frizell. Her journey through life was marked by extraordinary strength amidst moments of profound joy and sorrow. In 1967 she endured the heartbreaking loss of an infant daughter Patricia Ann shortly after birth; decades later her daughter Brenda Joyce passed away after battling complications from colon cancer on October 24, 2016; then on September 8, 2020 came another unimaginable loss when Kevin Scott passed unexpectedly during Catherine's own hospitalization for severe COVID-19 complications-an ordeal during which she endured over thirty-two days of intubation and an induced coma yet emerged with indomitable willpower. Catherine's legacy is one of unwavering devotion to family and boundless generosity that uplifted countless lives. She will forever be remembered as a beacon of love whose kindness left an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to know her. A Memorial Gathering celebrating the extraordinary life of Catherine June "Junebug" Kelch will be held on April 19th, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the American Legion located at 674 American Legion Road NE in Conyers, Georgia. For those who wish to contribute further support at this time, a cash app has been established under Williamkelch48 and correspondence may be sent to 1751 New St NE Conyers GA 30012. This gathering will honor her spiritually uplifting legacy as loved ones come together to remember a remarkable woman. As Catherine joins the heavenly choir, may she rest in peace and remain forever alive in God's eternal kingdom. John 14:1-3: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In my father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you; I will come again and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there ye may be also." Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Catherine June Kelch

July 29, 1938 - January 31, 2026