RENA LEE CURTIS THORP

Long time resident and friend of Mertzon, Rena Lee Curtis Thorp, 98, has her precious smile once again, as she was embraced by the loving arms of our Dear Lord on Saturday, August 28, 2004, after a brief stay in a local nursing home. She was born May 11, 1906, to Virgie and Henry Curtis in Rattler, Mills County, Texas, on the Colorado River. Rena moved to Irion County in 1924 and she and her husband, Oral, built the Hillside Cafe in Mertzon. Rena's love for cooking and feeding people surfaced during this time and many, many hungry souls were fed, not only food, but fed the spirit of God, as well. In 1947 Rena moved to Spring Creek and later, in 1979, built a large home there. She raised cattle and sheep on her land. She attributed her "peace with the world" to her "walks on the creek". She treasured every step she took up and down Spring Creek and gained great joy and peace from her long walks along the banks of the Creek. Rena actively volunteered for over 54 years in nursing homes, being a charter member of the Home Extension Club and forever a dedicated messenger for the Mertzon Church of Christ. Her love for God reflected unendingly in her love for people and her Church of Christ. She was also acclaimed for Mertzon's official "Welcoming Lady," always eager to turn strangers into friends. In Rena's 98 years of life, she witnessed 6 wars and with each conflict, her love for God and her Country strengthened. When asked to "share her secret" for a long and happy life her answer was simple: walk with God, eat healthy, take care of your body with exercise, work hard and always, always be good to people. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Bonnie Holden, Dulah Fields, Vida Lee Kiser and Arma Curtis; husband, Oral Thorp; son and his wife, A.L. (Firecracker) and Betty Shelby; and, loved one Jim Laxton and granddaughter Carolyn Sue Shelby. Rena is survived by her brother and his wife, Henry and Norma Curtis, grandchildren Sandy Simpson and her husband,Mark of the Colony, TX, Michael Shelby of Dallas, great grandchildren Angela Spiewak and husband, Michael of Roanoke, TX, Stephanie Seelye and husband Bill of Plano, TX; great-great grandchildren Austin, Madison, Tanner and Parker Seelye of Plano, and several nieces and nephews. On behalf of Rena, we want to especially thank the staff at Meadow Creek Nursing Home in San Angelo, for filling Rena's last few days on earth with much love, dignity and compassion. Rena was a very independent lady and took pride in her independence. The staff at Meadow Creek helped in her journey to meet God gracefully. Service will be at 2pm, Tuesday, August 31, 2004, at the Mertzon Church of Christ, Mertzon, Texas with burial to follow at the Mertzon Cemetery. Arrangements are made by Robert Massie Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Tim McBroom, Ken Greer, Shane Lewis, Mort Mertz, Wells Teague and Phillip Walker. Rena requested any memorials be made to the West Texas Boy's Ranch or the Mertzon Church of Christ.