Louise Elizabeth (Welcher) Buchanan, 78, of 16 Trenary Street, and formerly of Craigsville, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013 at the Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville.

Mrs. Buchanan was born on September 27, 1934 in Fordwick, Virginia, a daughter of the late John Henry and Catherine (Sprouse) Welcher.

Louise was a member of Heavens Golden Gate Church and was a self-employed caregiver, who was always willing to care for her family and friends. She loved going to church, working in her flowers, fishing and the outdoors.

In addition to her parents Mrs. Buchanan was preceded in death by the father of her children, Marvin Buchanan, II; a son, Bobby Buchanan; a daughter, Donna Fitzgerald; three brothers, Buddy Welcher, Albert Welcher and Charles Welcher and a granddaughter, Jennifer Chittum.

Survivors include a son, Marvin B. Butch Buchanan, III and wife Brenda of Craigsville; two daughters, Wanda G. Buchanan of Staunton and Caroline B. Puffenbarger of Craigsville; a brother, Richard Welcher of Staunton; two sisters, Agnes Woods of Craigsville and Delores Young of Greenville; eleven grandchildren, fifteen great- grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

A Graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013 in Miller Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery by Pastor Golden Clark.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2013 in Coffman Funeral Home and other times at her home.

Active pallbearers will be her grandsons.

It is suggested that those desiring make memorial contributions to the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, Virginia 22939.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.