Trela Jo Mcdonald

Trela Jo States McDonald, 73, of Derby, Kansas passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Trela was the kind of person who made everyone feel at home. Patient, gentle, and deeply kind, she had a way of making each person feel like they truly mattered. She never met a stranger – only friends she had not gotten to know yet. Whether chatting in the grocery store or welcoming someone into her salon chair, she listened with her whole heart and treated everyone with warmth and grace.

A 1970 graduate of Derby High School, Trela was a spirited cheerleader and a beloved friend. She spent 42 years as a hairdresser in Derby, not only styling hair but building connections that turned into lifelong friendships. Her work was more than a profession – it was an extension of her heart.

Trela shared a joyful, adventure-filled life with her husband, William Steve McDonald. Together, for 51 years they traveled, rode motorcycles, and built a home rooted in love and laughter. Her family was her pride and joy.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Steve; her parents Junior and Jean States, and brother Jimmy States.

She is survived by her son, Doug (Cally) McDonald of Knoxville, TN, and their children Mariah, Makenna, and Cole McDonald; and her daughter Carrie (Birch) Clark of Derby, KS, and their children Axle Ottaway, Remie Jo Clark, and Ainslie Mae Clark. She also leaves behind siblings Larry (Linda) States of Seattle, WA, Kurt States of Rose Hill, KS, and Kristy (Jim) Lang of Derby, KS.

Visitation will be held at Smith Mortuary on Thursday, July 31, from 5:00-8:00 PM. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM Friday, August 1, followed by the Funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church in Derby, KS. Burial will be at El Paso Cemetery, Derby, KS. Memorials have been established with St. Mary Catholic Church, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, and Victory In the Valley.