Shirley Kathleen “Kay” Welk, 75, of Hutchinson, died April 13, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born July 30, 1949, in Russell, to Lloyd “Dean” and Verna V. (McReynolds) Elliott.
Shirley, also known as Kay to many, graduated from Paradise High School in 1967. After attending cosmetology school in Hays, she moved to Ellsworth for work, where she met Harold F. Welk Jr. They were married on August 16, 1970, in Ellsworth and were together for 54 years. In 1972, they moved to Hutchinson, where they raised their family and spent the rest of their lives in the home they built. Over the years, Kay worked in cosmetology, bail bonding, and later as a master gardener for the City of Hutchinson Parks Department for 15 years prior to retirement. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, reading, and participating in music at Nickerson United Methodist Church, where she regularly attended services and sang in the choir.
She is survived by her husband, Harold; her children, Nathan Welk (Heather) of Derby, and their daughters, Abby and Katie; Kyle Welk (Tiffany) of Wichita, and their children, Andrew, Allison, Emily, and Caleb; Jamie Ball (Shawn) of Overland Park; brothers, Richard Elliott (Catherine) of Waldo, Kendall Elliott (Vickie) of Russell; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Cynthia Elliott.
Kay will be remembered for her strength, her deep love for family, and the many lives she touched through her kindness, creativity, and unwavering care.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Nickerson United Methodist Church, 8200 N. Riverton Rd., Nickerson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, with family present to receive friends from 6–8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.