One of many Nativity sets by Wilma Welty.
Wilma (Krumsick) Welty has been making nativity sets as her contribution to the St, Margaret Mary's Parish Catholic Women (PCW) annual Christmas Raffle for more than 25 years. No one, including Wilma, can recall for sure just exactly when it all began. Many Big Sandy area families have been the lucky winners of these beautiful creations over those many years. It is believed that Joanne Kibbbee may have won the first one. For several years Wilma has also made and donated a Native American style nativity's to neighboring St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Box Elder for their Christmas Raffle.
Born and raised in Big Sandy, Wilma married Pat Welty in 1958. They farmed along the Coal Mine Road. There they raised four children: daughters Pam, who currently resides in Kansas, and Valerie, who hails from Power, Montana, and two sons Mark and Brian who both live in Texas. They have 12 granchildren and one great granddaughter. As if the care of her family and occasionally helping on the farm weren't enough, Wilma worked for Ophus Tax Services during tax season, October through April, for 23 years. She was also employed for some time as a bookkeeper at the Grocery Store, a job she began under former Food Farm owner John Gunhold. She and Pat left the farm and moved into Big Sandy in 2007.
Wilma is an avid crafter. She especially enjoys making quilts, and making towels, ornaments, and embellishing quilts with her embroidery machine. Ceramics has been a passion of hers since 1969. Her first creation was a cup that she made for her dad, Bill Krumsick. Since then Wilma has made many items, but her favorite items to make are nativity sets. All of her children received one as wedding presents. She has also made them for other family members and friends.
Playing pinochle is one of Wilma's favorite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. She likes the opportunity to socialize as much as the card playing itself. It is rumored that she thinks the cards "have gone cold" lately!
An active member of St. Margaret Mary's Parish, Wilma has once again made and donated another beautiful nativity set. You can buy chances to win it and many other nice prizes from any PCW member. The raffle drawing will be held on Sunday, December 11th, at the St. Margaret Mary's Parish Christmas Potluck. You need not be present to win.
PCW would like to take this opportunity to thank Wilma for all the years that she has helped so many to celebrate the birth of Jesus – the real reason for the season!
