Obituary of Alice Deffendall

Alice Deffendall passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024 at age 91. The Funeral Mass is private. Interment in Cedar Grove Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, on Wednesday from 4-6 p.m.

               Alice Christine Welk Deffendall was born in Ipswich, South Dakota to Theresa Schumacher and John Welk. She played the accordion, like her uncle Lawrence Welk, and the piano, in a band with her father.  She met and married Jim Deffendall after his service in U.S. Army during WWII and together they raised 6 children. Alice enjoyed baking and planting flowers but her greatest joy was playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Deffendall were longtime members of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. She volunteered at UMC hospital in Lebanon for more than 30 years.

               Mrs. Deffendall is survived by children: Danny (Priscilla) Deffendall, Jim (Carmen) Caitlan, Mark (Patti) Deffendall, Joyce Deffendall, Kelly (Kristy) Deffendall, and Billy (Dianna) Deffendall; many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister: Bertha Wetzler; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by husband of 58 years, Jim Deffendall, parents Theresa and John Welk, brothers Alex Welk, Gene Welk, and Bennie Welk, and sisters Margaret Schramm, and Teresa Weisgram. The family extends their special thanks to the staff of the Pavilion.

               Please make Memorial Donations to St. Jude’s and/or New Leash on Life.Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.