Elizabeth Eileen Kelly Troup, 77, gained her wings on May 10, 2024 after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. She has been reunited with family, loved ones, and friends who have gone before her. Eileen’s final moments were spent peacefully in her home in Sinton, Texas, surrounded by family and a dear family friend.  

Eileen is survived by her children, Derek (Nallely) Troup of Corpus Christi, Emilee (Gabe) McFarland of Sinton, Darby (Jennifer) Troup of Sinton; grandchildren Ella Troup, Khloe Troup, Aubrey McFarland, and Victoria Troup; great grandchildren Everly Oliver and Oakly Oliver; siblings Sarah (Rhett) McCraw of Greenville, South Carolina, Mary (Sam) Lankford of Sinton, Texas, Sam Kelly of Austin, Texas; and Aunt Leota Kelly Hopkins of Cleburne, Texas. She is preceded in death by her father Franklin Fletcher Kelly Jr. and mother Dorothy Dycus Kelly, her husband Dennis Lee Troup, her brother James Fletcher Kelly, and her grandson Gavin Dean McFarland.

Eileen also has numerous extended family relatives; cousins, nieces and nephews, great cousins, great nieces and nephews, a very large family tree of love on the Troup and Kelly side.

Elizabeth Eileen Kelly was born to Frank and Dorothy Kelly on December 23,1946 in Cleburne, Texas. The family would call her Eileen. Frank and Dorothy moved to Sinton, Texas, to the family farm, when Eileen was a small child. As a child, Eileen and her younger siblings helped work the land around their farm, picking cotton. This was the way of life at that time, everyone helped out.

Eileen began her academics at Sinton ISD at an early age, always a Sinton Pirate. She attended school and graduated from Sinton ISD in 1965. Throughout her school years she was involved in numerous clubs and activities. From cheerleading, to sewing and baking, homecoming queen, to Ms. SHS, there was hardly a committee or club that she was not involved with, she had always been an extra “go get it” kind of student.

After graduating from Sinton High School, she attended and graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and also earning her teaching certificate.

January 20th of 1968, Eileen married her middle school sweetheart, Dennis Lee Troup. Shortly after that, they moved to Columbus, Mississippi while Dennis served as a flight instructor for military pilots. This is where their first child Derek was born in May of 1970.

Dennis and Eileen returned to Sinton in 1972 to make it their forever home. Eileen began her teaching career, teaching 3rd grade at Lamar Elementary for 3 years. Eileen then stepped away from teaching to raise her family; Derek, Emilee and Darby. 

During this time, she went to work for the Kelly Family business, undertaking the day-to-day operations and office management of the business. All the while being an integral part of her husband Dennis' business pursuits, always supportive, encouraging, and “stand by her man”.

Eileen returned to Sinton ISD in 1994 as a Home Economics teacher for 9th-12th grade. For several years she taught many a high school student not only how to turn on an oven, but also how not to get burned when taking something out of the oven. Also, how to use the stove top and do it safely, and to not mix darks and lights when doing laundry.

Eileen moved from teaching to an administrative position as School and Community Relations Liaison, the first to ever hold the position. She held this position until her retirement, after 33 years of service to Sinton ISD in March of 2024. During her time, she was instrumental in starting the recognition of the Sinton ISD Alumni of the year, an honor that she earned this year, as well as the Academic Achievers Banquet. Eileen also helped carry on the traditions of the Sinton Homecoming Parade and Sinton Project Graduation, hosting the Chemical Free Graduation Party for 31 years.

Needless to say, there was not much that Eileen wasn’t involved with. She was a jacklyn of many trades, often working her magic unnoticed to anyone around. If you ever needed anything, you knew you could call Eileen.

Eileen was instrumental in continuing the tradition of The Avenue of Trees, started by the Garden Club many years ago, a tradition of the enjoyment and excitement of Christmas, for all the ages!

Eileen has also served on The Sinton For Youth board for over 30 years, and as the Executive Director since 2012. This program gives students in need the opportunity for summer camps, to shop during Christmas, and college scholarships.

Eileen served as the Superintendent of the Homemaking Division for the San Patricio and Aransas county show for over 50 years. She has been recognized for her service to the county through the extension office. She has also been recognized for her contributions to FFA and FHA, both as a member in High School, and as a lifetime supporter of the organizations.

Needless to say, Eileen led a life of service. She was a member of the Sinton Rotary Club and a firm supporter of the Coastal Bend Blood Center and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She was also a supporter of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, which celebrates cancer survivors, remembers loved ones lost to cancer, and raises funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families.

Eileen has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Sinton since being baptized on March 4, 1973. She supported and worked Vacation Bible school for numerous years. Eileen and Dennis also supported the First Baptist Church of Papalote while it was in operation. She devoted her life to Christ, and we know she is rejoicing in Heaven with our Lord, and all the family and friends who went before.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Sinton For Youth Program or any other charitable organization. 

Visitation will begin Friday, May 17, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Sinton. The family will receive guests from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  The Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10:00 AM at the church. Interment will follow in Sinton Cemetery, Sinton. 

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.