Ethel Lynn Downey Welch, Age 61, born November 13th, 1964, passed away on June 9, 2026, at UK A.B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington, KY surrounded by those she loved.  Ethel, better known as Lynn or Peppy, was born Friday, November 13th, 1964, in Mt Sterling KY to Evelyn Neely and the late Taylor Downey.

Lynn loved spending time outside. Camping, swimming at the lake, sitting on her back porch. As long as she was in the heat of the sun, Lynn was happy. Lynn gained a love for tent camping during her childhood and spread that love to her children. In her later years, Lynn and her husband Tim upgraded their family to RV camping and never looked back. Lynn also enjoyed reading, puzzles, and hidden object games.

Lynn was a kind soul with a nurturing heart. Her free spirit guided her where she needed to be, from becoming a private CNA in Florida to becoming the Food Manager at Gateway Children’s services. She always found ways to make people laugh and would sometimes bring upside down prank candles home during her time working for Langley Candle. Lynn dedicated herself to family, sacrificing her career multiple times to stay home with family members in need. Lynn was of the Christian faith.

Lynn is survived by her mother, Evelyn Neely (Douglas) of Mt Sterling; Husband, Tim Welch of Mt Sterling; four brothers: Roy Downey (Kim) of Pikeville, Tim Downey of Miami, Florida, Amos Downey of Mt Sterling and Jason Downey (Stacy) of Mt Sterling; two daughters: Heidi Smith (fiancé Tyler Dupre) of Frankfort and Heather Smith (fiancé Zack Douglas) of Mt Sterling; three step children: Christian Welch (Jalana) of Somerset, Lucas Welch (Bethany) of Somerset, and Hannah Gosser (Caleb) of Lawrenceburg; and 7 Grandchildren: Bradley Tomlison, Gracelyn Welch, Brayden Welch, Charli Welch, Taliesin Douglas, Emmalyn Welch, and Seraphine Douglas.

She was preceded in death by her father, Taylor Downey.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11th at Herald & Stewart Home For Funerals.
A graveside service will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, June 12th at Camp Nelson Cemetery, Nicholasville, KY.  

Pallbearers:  Luke Welch, Caleb Gosser, Russell Sherlin, Tom Jones, Tyler Dupre, Tim Welch.

Services entrusted to the care of Herald & Stewart Home For Funerals, 1002 Woodford Drive, Mt. Sterling, KY  40353