Trena Lorene (Schmidt) Garlick, 56, of Rapid City died May 18, 2026.

Services are pending through Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Trena was born Dec. 22, 1969 to Sheri (Welty) Kelley and Stan Schmidt in Boulder, CO

In her early years, Trena was nothing less than an angel, and a tough one at that. She weathered many a storm and was a trooper through it all. Most of Trena’s school days were spent in Cheyenne, WY. There, Trena developed a love for horses. She could not wait to go riding at her aunt and uncles, which was second to the day she got Topper, her pony. Oh how she liked animals - like mother, like daughter.

In Gillette, WY Trena met the love of her life, Kurt “Fritz” Garlick. The two were married shortly thereafter on a very hot July 19, 2003, They made their home in Rapid City.

Then, two years later, a new love, daughter, Shelby Kay Garlick was born.

Shelby was Trena’s everything. Yes, life evolved around her little girl. And, like mother, like daughter, they too shared a love for animals, caring for a host of pet turtles, iguanas, hamsters, cats and dogs.

Trena loved gardening and growing indoor plants, cooking and baking were second to becoming a mom. In her quiet time, Trena enjoyed crocheting and drawing. And, she was very mechanical, extremely computer literate, which proved to be beneficial when playing strategy games with her stepdad, Tim Kelly.

Trena’s work ethic earned her positions as a loan officer with RediCash, an office clerk with Lecy Chiropractic, and most recently, a supervisory role supporting clients at Black Hills Works.

Recently baptized through The Journey Church, along with her mother, Sheri, Trena’s Christian faith became very important to her. She sought to begin her mornings with prayer and devotion to God. She would remind those around her, take it “one day at a time.”

It was one day at a time that Trena fought a long and courageous battle with cancer, The Lord called her home, Monday, as Trena died at Monument Hospital in Rapid City, surrounded by her family and pastors.

Grateful for sharing life with Trena are: her husband, Fritz; daughter, Shelby; special son, Wyatt; her mother, Sheri; and father, Stan; sisters, Kelly and Trish; and brothers, Tadd and Dean. In addition, several nieces and nephews survive - Josh, Megan, Sophia, Aaron, Hanna and Billy; and, special friends Shannine Clifford, Carol Shay and Faith Chamley.

Trena was preceded in death by her grandparents, Kenneth and Velma Welty, Dave and Irene Schmidt, uncle Dan Welty; and, very special friends Vickie Lewis and Denise Ferris.

A memorial is being established.