Mona Katherine Barbay, age 82, a resident of Newton, Texas, for 58 years, and a beloved wife, mother, Mimi, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Mona was born on September 19, 1943, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, to Anton and Frances Reljac. She graduated from Bishop Byrne High School in Port Arthur, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Curtis Joseph Barbay Jr. They were united in marriage on November 28, 1964, in Port Arthur and shared a loving life together until Curtis preceded her in death on September 25, 2010.
As the devoted wife of a coach, Mona faithfully supported Curtis throughout his 45-year coaching career, cheering him and his teams every step of the way. Together they raised three children: Kelly, Bryan, and Darrell. Mona exemplified unconditional love, strength, and selflessness, showing her family every day what it meant to be a devoted wife and a loving mother.
Before beginning her career with Newton ISD, Mona dedicated herself to raising her children while also providing daycare for many children in the Newton community. She later served as a front office secretary at both the Newton Elementary and Newton High School campuses, where she was known for her kindness, welcoming smile, and caring spirit. Following her retirement, Mona found great joy in attending her grandchildren's sporting events, school activities, and special milestones.
Mona was a longtime member of Our Lady of La Salette Catholic Church, where she faithfully worshiped with her family. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, and especially looked forward to the annual Barbay family beach trip each summer.
Most of all, Mona treasured time spent with her family. She was especially delighted by the arrival of her nine-month-old great-grandson, Titan Jayce Barbay, whose smile brought her endless joy and happiness.
She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Guenter and husband, Toby, of Hemphill, Texas; sons, Bryan Barbay and wife, Tracy, of Jasper, Texas, and Darrell Barbay and wife, Melissa, of Brookeland, Texas; grandchildren, Brady Barbay and wife, Edith, Brock Barbay and wife, Lauren, Maggie Soisson and husband, Michael, Bryce Barbay, and Natalie Barbay; great-grandson, Titan Jayce Barbay; sister, Annie Comiskey; and her cherished friends and partners in crime, Melba Pahal and Barbara Westbrook.
Mona's kindness, gentle spirit, unwavering love, and dedication to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Pallbearers will be Brady Barbay, Brock Barbay, Bryce Barbay, Kevin Barbay, Tabor Westbrook, and Dustin Westbrook.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Newton, Texas, with the Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on July 11, 2026 at Our Lady of La Salette Catholic Church in Kirbyville, Texas. Interment will follow at the Newton City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Curtis Barbay Memorial Scholarship Fund at Stellar Bank in Newton.