Della Rose Dulcina McConnell passed away on August 24, 2026—her birthday. Her passing leaves a tremendous emptiness in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Della was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. She was the proud grandmother of more than 30 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, creating a family legacy that will continue for generations to come.

Della had the biggest little spark—a light that could brighten any room. The beauty and love in her eyes could tame even the wildest animal. She had a gentle way of speaking to you with kindness, while lovingly nudging you in the right direction. Her warm embrace and loving touch always seemed to bring you back to center and make everything feel a little more okay. Della touched every soul around her with her love, kindness, and acceptance. She had a way of making everyone feel seen, loved, and welcomed just as they were. Her little spark may have been small, but the love she gave was enormous—and it will continue to live on in everyone she touched.

Della found joy in the simple things in life. After moving to Hays, she discovered a special happiness in watching the birds that visited her yard. Her home became a welcoming place for both songbirds and hummingbirds, with feeders always ready for her feathered visitors. She loved flowers and birds, and her favorite flower was the yellow rose, which will forever remind those who loved her of her warmth and beauty.

Della loved being outdoors. She loved the canyon, where she enjoyed going camping, taking a cruise, smoking a joint, and having a beer or three. She loved fishing and could often be found down by the river with a fishing pole and a cold beer. She enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, playing dice and cards, and simply enjoying whatever adventure the day brought. She also loved settling in to watch her old Westerns, finding comfort and entertainment in the familiar stories and characters she enjoyed.

One of the greatest things Della gave her children was the security of knowing they would always have somewhere to call home. She always made sure her children had a home. No matter what life brought, Della wanted her children to have a place where they belonged. That devotion to her children was one of the many ways she showed her love.

Della was also known worldwide for her beautiful beadwork. Her incredible talent and creativity reached far beyond her own community. Every piece she created carried something of her—her patience, creativity, spirit, and love. Her beadwork will remain a lasting part of the legacy she leaves behind. Della's life was not measured simply by the years she lived, but by the family she built, the love she gave, the memories she created, and the countless lives she touched.

She may no longer be sitting in her yard watching the hummingbirds, tending her yellow roses, fishing by the river, camping in the canyon, playing cards or dice, watching her Westerns, or creating her beautiful beadwork. But those moments—and the stories that come from them—will remain with us.

And somewhere, we hope, Della is sitting peacefully with a cold beer in hand, watching the birds, surrounded by yellow roses, and finally at rest.

Her biggest little spark may have left this world, but the light she gave us never will.

Rest easy, Della. You were loved beyond measure. You will be missed beyond words. And you will never, ever be forgotten.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Della.