She was born in Alma to Adrian “Buddy” Varnadore and Aline Yawn Varn adore. She was the baby of six siblings: one brother, Olan, and four sisters, Eula, Patsy, Christine, and Nina. The family made its living mostly in the agricultural and industrial trades.

Mrs. Rentz is a graduate of Bacon County High School, Class of 1972, and Valdosta State College, Class of 1982. She later received both a Masters and Specialist degree in Early Childhood Education.

Mrs. Rentz was the wife of Joseph Anthony “Tony” Rentz (54 years). They have three children, Anthony, Eric and Laura.

She made her living as an educator to elementary

Rentz

school students, teaching in Bacon County and later in Ware County. The bulk of her career (26 years) was spent teaching third grade at Wacona Elementary School in Waycross.

Mrs. Rentz was passionate about educating young minds and always found a way to make learning fun and exciting for those she taught. Many regarded her as their “favorite teacher ever.” Throughout her career, she was cited many times for her excellence in education and many of her students have gone on to have great success in life.

Her primary devotionwas always to her family. Her husband, an executive with The Jones Company, had both a breadwinner and a homemaker all in one. They raised their children to be exceptional and all three of them are university graduates and successful in the trades they have chosen.

Mrs. Rentz’s days were filled with getting her children to band, sports and drama practices and lots of church activities. She was known for always being busy with her work and her family.

Aside from her obligations, Mrs. Rentz loved to have “a good time.” She was the bright spot at every gathering, and she was known for her wit and her big personality!

So many people truly regard her as their “best friend.” She was the “favorite aunt” to several nieces and nephews, and everyone had lots of laughs when she was around.

Mrs. Rentz loved cooking, reading, traveling — especially to the beach — and serving in her church. She was active at Central Baptist Church in Waycross throughout most of her life, and she engaged in several ministries, including hospitality committees, choir, and youth group.

Since retirement, Mrs. Rentz has enjoyed being a world traveler. The Rentzs have been able to visit numerous countries. After purchasing an RV, they made it a goal to travel coast-to-coast and visit all 50 states.

It became an accomplishment they were both very proud of. She has also enjoyed being a grandma to her 10 grandchildren, and made it a point to attend as many ballgames, award ceremonies, graduations and special events as possible to show her love and support for them.

Mrs. Rentz is survived by her husband, Tony of Waycross; two sons, Anthony (Chrissie) Rentz of Clover, S.C., and Eric (Sandi) Rentz of Blackshear; a daughter, Laura (Robby) Setser, also of Waycross; a sister, Nina (Terry) Bryant of Mershon; 10 grandchildren, Seth, Caroline, Garrison, Caleb, Greyson, Lydia, Aidan, Ethan, Emma and Aaron (Christian); and one great granddaughter, Nora; along with many nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends. She was a member of Briarwood Baptist Church in Blackshear.

A funeral service will be held today (Wednesday, September 10) at 2 p.m., at Briarwood Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Aaron Pitts, Seth Rentz, Garrison Rentz, Caleb Rentz, Greyson Rentz, Aidan Setser and Ethan Setser.

Honorary pallbearers were Young at Heart Sunday School Class and former co-workers, retirees, and active faculty of Wacona Elementary School.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Hospice Satilla and Briarwood Baptist Church.

Sympathy may be expressed by posting to her tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome. com.