Velma Rea Renz, 93, of Anderson died on July 9, 2019 at Community Hospital following a brief illness.
She was born on May 11, 1926, to the late Nathan and Annie Riddle in Middletown, Ohio. In 1947 she married Russell Renz. They lived in Toledo, Ohio, Bad Axe, Michigan, Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. She was a 1969 graduate of Anderson University and received a master's degree in elementary education from Ball State University in 1972.
She was a devoted lifetime follower of Jesus Christ and a loyal member of the Park Place Church of God since 1959 where she was active in Truthfinders Class, Missions in Action, and the pantry ministry. She was a member of Peace Fellowship, the Historical Society of the Church of God, a member of Anderson University Fellows and Sponsors, AAUW, League of Women Voters, Amnesty International, and Marmee Club. She volunteered for Contact Help. She taught at Roosevelt, Tenth Street, and Park Place Elementary schools from 1969-1991.
She and her husband, Russell Renz served in Ingotse, Kenya, where he was principal of the Church of God boys middle school 1951-1952.
Survivors include her son, David (wife, Holly) Renz; daughter, Rebecca Renz; grandson, Nathan Renz; sister, Norma Ashton; former brother-in-law, Rev. Walter (wife, Linda) Gatton; and seven nieces and one nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 55 years, Dr. Russell Renz in 2003, brother, Paul (wife, Anita) Riddle; sister-in-law, Eileen Gatton; and a brother-in-law, James Ashton.
A memorial service will be held at Park Place Church of God on Monday, July 15, 2019 at 2:00 PM with Dr. Fred Shively officiating. The burial will take place in East Maplewood Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be on Monday, July 15, 2019 from 12:30 PM- 2:00 PM at the church.
Memorial contributions may be given to Park Place Church of God or Anderson University (Student Financial Assistance Fund).
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