Kathy Kelley

Kathy Airheart Kelley, a lifelong resident of Trinidad, Texas, passed away on June 21,2025 doing what she loved. Born in 1961 to Gary and Shirley Airheart, she was the beloved baby of the family and a bright light to all who knew her.

Kathy graduated from Trinidad High School in 1980, where she proudly cheered for the Trinidad Trojans, played flute in the band and shined as an all-star tennis player. Shortly after, she began her most cherished role-becoming a mother to her miracle daughter, Ginger Downey. She pursued dental assistant school and later found her niche selling insurance in the Trinidad and Malakoff communities, where she quickly became a familiar and trusted face.

Her true calling came when she became a registered nurse. Kathy dedicated many years to caring for others at ETMC in Athens and later at Fresenius, where she worked in dialysis. Her compassionate heart and healing hands touched countless lives.

In 2004, Kathy became a nana -an experience she called the "icing on the cake" of her happiness. She never missed a moment with her grandkids, whether it was attending games, school events, or simply sharing lunch and laughter. Her daughter Ginger and grandchildren Kayenne (Punk) and Sage were the absolute joy of her life. Throughout life she became a nana to 3 boys Elli, Dayton and Slade who she cherished and loved unconditionally as her own. Not to mention her granddaughters' friends also became her babies and they knew their nana loved them just as much.

Later in life, Kathy met her "Hunnie," Bruce Benson. Together they shared an unconditional love to each other, a love of travel, motorcycle rides, and discovering new places to eat. His kids and grandkids became hers to love on and also be a nana to. They were both part of Benefit Riders of East Texas where they donated their time to giving back to children and families in need.

Kathy was also known for her love of photography-always capturing life's little and big moments so others could hold on to those memories forever.

Kathy lived life fully, loved deeply, and gave generously. She loved spending time with her family. This was the most important of all to her. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her spirit lives on in every life she touched. She will be missed something fierce, but we rejoice knowing she is now with our Lord and Savior, camera in hand, capturing the beauty of Heaven. Until we meet again.

Preceding Kathy in death are her parents Gary Neil and Shirley Airheart and her brother Dennis Airheart.

Her legacy will continue to live on in her beautiful daughter Ginger Downey and husband JR, sisters Ann Holloway and husband Rickie, Sharlene Sims, brother Gary Tanner & wife Peggy, grandchildren Kayenne Dunn, Sage Dunn, Elli Dunn, Slade Downey, Dayton Downey, her life long "Hunnie" Bruce Benson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is 2:00 - 4:00 PM Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Huckabee-Tomlinson Funeral Home, Malakoff, TX.

A Celebration of Kathy's life is 5:00 PM Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Life Fellowship Church, Athens, TX with Bro. David Jordan officiating. Serving as palbearers is Brandon Airheart, Zach Keeling, Robert Johnson, Joe Rivera, Joe Davis, and Richard Harvey. Honorary pallbearer is Rodney Ray. Interment will be in Trinidad, Cemetery.