Iva Welsh, 83, of Ceres, passed away at Alexander Cohen Hospice House on Thursday. She was born in Verden, Okla. to William and Bertie Grammer. Iva’s family, agricultural workers, moved to California when Iva was young. She attended schools in the Central Valley. Later on Iva worked in the canneries until her health forced her to quit. She loved her family and friends. Her home always had a warm welcome for close friends and guests.  She loved country living, and Iva brought that Southern hospitality to her home. She also enjoyed visiting several area casinos to play bingo. As a member of a C.B. Club she also served people as a volunteer at the county fair and at the highway rest areas. 

Iva is survived by her son, Dennis (Charlotte) Thompson of Modesto; grandsons, Christopher Loyd Thompson and Kyle Nathaniel Thompson; great grandsons, George Thompson and Isaiah Roblis; granddaughter-in-law, Katie Snell; and close friends, Stacy Moore and Ashley Johnson. Many other close friends affectionately called her “Mom.” 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Welsh; and sister, Beulah Belvin Mays. Visitation for Iva will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 at Allen Mortuary. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 21 at Allen Mortuary. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be considered for Community Hospice of Modesto. Please leave memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.