1964-2025
Konny Arlene (Welch) Trinka, 60, gained her wings after a courageous battle with cancer on January 13, 2025, at Ellinwood District Hospital in Ellinwood, Kansas. She was born on August 15, 1964, to Lynn Albert Welch and, her beloved birthday twin, Judith Kay (Ellis) Welch in Larned.
Konny attended Macksville High School and later earned an associate degree in business from Barton Community College. She dedicated the last 17 years of her professional life to Baker Hughes, where she was respected and cherished by her colleagues.
A woman of deep faith, Konny was a lifetime member of the New Jerusalem Church in Pawnee Rock. Her unwavering belief in God’s love and grace guided her life and inspired those around her.
She leaves behind her beloved partner and best friend, Douglas Kuhn, of the home. Konny was a devoted and proud mother to her children: Brandon (Jill) Ritchie of Great Bend, KS; Brooke Harting of Larned, KS; Blake (Shay Nesby) of Manhattan, KS; and Bailey (Tobias) Godwin-Ritchie of Kansas City, MO; Her heart overflowed with love for her grandchildren: Ayla, Adley, and Aftyn Ritchie; Rylan Harting; and Tucker Gill, who were her greatest joy.
Konny is also survived by her mother; siblings, who held a special place in her heart: Kim (Carl) Gifford of Melvern, KS; Kevin (Michell) Welch of Macksville, KS; and Kent (Ryan) Welch of Kansas City, MO.
Her happiest moments were spent watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She was their biggest cheerleader, rarely missing a game. She found joy in singing to her grand-babies, gardening, and gathering with her family to share meals, a game of cards, and memories. Her legacy of love, kindness, and strength lives on in each life she touched.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lynn Albert Welch, and her late husband, Ricky Norman Trinka.
Konny’s warmth, faith, and radiant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with Pastor Jarred Smith presiding. Family has requested casual dress for attendance. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Pawnee Rock Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2025, with family receiving guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been designated to Grandchildren’s Educational Fund, in honor of her love and devotion to all of them, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.
Rest in peace, Konny. Your trial is over and you kept the faith. You will live forever in our hearts as you were a blessing to all.
Interment Funeral
