Diane Dalley Welborn, age 71—devoted wife, adoring mother, cherished Nana, loyal sister, and dearest friend—was surrounded by her loving family as she passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on April 21, 2025, in The Woodlands, Texas, after courageously battling cancer for over a year.
Diane is lovingly survived by her husband of 51 years, Rick Welborn of The Woodlands, TX; daughters Stephanie Kraft (Joel) of Rochester, NY, and Lorna Phelan (Andrew) of Colleyville, TX; grandchildren Sadie and Madeline Kraft, and Norah and James Phelan; brothers Ward Dalley (Jan), Virgil Dalley (Jeannie), Kenneth Dalley (Kay), and Keith Dalley (Mary); sister Eleanor McClafferty; brother-in-law Wilson Welborn; sisters-in-law Sarah Chumbley (Sammy) and Linda Dalley; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Darwood Ward Dalley and Carlton Eileen (Mullings) Dalley; siblings Sterling Dalley, Doyle Dalley (Nelawyn), Gene Dalley, Wayne Dalley, Alma Garnett (Billy), brother-in-law Johnny McClafferty and sister-in-law Rita Welborn.
Born on January 20, 1954, in Elgin, Texas, Diane was the youngest of eleven children born to Darwood and Carlton Dalley. She was raised on the family farm, where one of her earliest responsibilities was gathering eggs from the chicken coop—an early sign of her strong work ethic and nurturing spirit. Diane graduated from Elgin High School in 1972 and went on to attend Sam Houston State University, where she studied education. During her college years, she met the love of her life, Rickey Thomas Welborn. The two were married in 1973, and Diane graduated in 1976 with a degree in Education and a minor in English.
That same year, Rick and Diane bought their first home. Diane began her career as a Special Education teacher in Huntsville, Texas. In 1980, they welcomed their first daughter, Stephanie, and Diane chose to stay home to care for her growing family. In 1983, the Welborn's relocated to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where their second daughter, Lorna was born in 1984. In 1987 the Welborn's moved to Medina, Ohio prior to moving back to Texas in 1993. Rick and Diane continued their journey in Beaumont, where Stephanie and Lorna graduated high school.
Diane was a woman of deep faith and a servant’s heart for God. She was active in church communities across the many places she lived—Huntsville, Virginia Beach, Medina, Beaumont, and The Woodlands—serving as a youth leader, an elder at Medina Christian Church, choir member, and Bible study teacher to adult seniors at The Woodlands Methodist Church. Her love for Christ radiated through her dedication to sharing the Gospel with others, especially children and teens.
A gifted seamstress, Diane poured love into each stitch of her daughters’ dance costumes, dresses, and eventually outfits for her grandchildren. She was happiest when surrounded by family—whether at home or traveling on adventures. Diane and Rick shared a passion for exploration, traveling to places like Mexico, Italy, Spain, Alaska, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Canada, and California. She especially treasured “Nana and Papa” road trips with the Kraft grandchildren, Sadie and Maddie, creating cherished memories between New York and Texas. As the Kraft grandchildren grew older, the Phelans began their family journey with Norah and James. Nana loved spending time with the Phelan grandchildren by taking them to parks, going to the Woodlands Children’s Museum, the Houston and Fort Worth Zoos, teaching Bible stories, and celebrating milestones.
Diane will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, loving heart, and the joy she brought to every life she touched. Family gatherings fulfilled her spirit and renewed her deep commitment to the ones she loved. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, and unconditional love.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s memory to the American Cancer Society, honoring her brave journey and continued hope for others.
A celebration of life for Diane will be held Monday, May 5, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at The Woodlands methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380 with a reception following the service.
