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She loved her job and it clearly showed, but most importantly, she loved her students and her role as a teacher.

Trena Kay Welch, sadly passed from this life on October 20, 2026, at her home in Pineland, Texas at the age of 55. Born on September 13, 1971, in Jasper, Texas to Lonnie B. Harley and Willie Dean Harley, Kay grew up in a loving family alongside her three older brothers 

Kay attended West Sabine ISD from Kindergarten through the twelfth grade where she was a member of the graduating class of 1990.  After high school, Kay married the love of her life, Dallas Welch, on August 7, 1993.  The love that they shared was the epitome of what love and marriage are meant to be.  Their bond was unbreakable and they truly were best friends. Together they had two children, Madison and Cody and set examples for them to know what true love was and to never settle for anything less.  

Kay went on to further her education at Stephen F. Austin State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in business and held several different jobs before she began her teaching career at West Sabine High School.  Going back to her Alma Mater to embark on her new career was something that she took immense pride in.  She was extremely active at West Sabine with activities ranging from cheer sponsor and UIL sponsor to assisting with the FCCLA program.  She was always willing to help wherever she was needed.  All of this was in addition to following Madison and Cody in all of their extra-curricular activities.  She loved her job and it clearly showed, but most importantly, she loved her students and her role as a teacher.  Kay was a mentor for so many.  However, her greatest role of all was being a GiGi to her granddaughter, Nora Kay.  Nora could put a smile on her face no matter what was going on and was definitely the sparkle in her eyes.

Kay was a cherished member of her community, remembered fondly by many friends and former students whose lives she touched with her kindness and dedication. Her love and legacy will live on through her husband of over 33 years, Dallas Welch, of Pineland; her daughter, Madison Dao and husband, Christian, of Clear Lake, Texas; her son, Cody Welch of Tyler, Texas; and her beloved granddaughter, Nora Kay Dao. She also leaves behind her brothers, Lonnie Ray Harley and wife, Audrey, Tommy Harley and wife, Guinn, and Randy Harley and wife, Regina, all of Pineland; three nieces, eleven nephews, three great-nieces and eleven great nephews, all of whom will miss her deeply.

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Her greatest role of all was being a GiGi to her granddaughter, Nora Kay.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lonnie B. and Willie Dean Harley, and her grandparents William A. and Minnie Harley, and Raymond Ellis and Vera Bragg.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street in Hemphill, Texas. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Starr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Wes Little and Bro. Paul Swearingen officiating. 

Burial will follow services Plainview Cemetery in Pineland.  Serving as pallbearers are Cody Welch, Brayden Hershberger, Hunter Spring, Eli Little, Danny Spring and Gary Mike Smith.  Honorary pallbearers are Ethan Little, Scott Simmons, Ken Courville and Tyler Hershberger.

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Kay always lived life to the fullest, making memories that will last forever.

Kay always lived life to the fullest, making memories that will last forever.  She loved spending time with family and friends and cherished her role as a wife, mother and GiGi.  Kay's warmth and spirit will be sorely missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.