Zelda Louise Rentler Gatlin

Zelda Louise Rentler Gatlin was born October 3, 1931 to Jacob Peter and Gladys Rentler. The youngest of their 6 children, she was their only Texan, having been born in Dallas, Texas. As a child, Zelda was schooled in the University Park area and spent her teenage years in and graduated from Cedar Hill. She and her late husband, Delbert, married and raised their children in Lancaster, Texas. A legacy of love is seen in their surviving children, Marla and Rick McGinnis, Del and Marilyn Gatlin and Ed and Lisa Gatlin. She will be forever remembered most lovingly by her grandchildren, Seth and Haylee McGinnis, Dane and Ashley McGinnis, Dee and Andrea Gatlin, Tyler Gatlin, Shelbi Gatlin and Paden Gatlin. A reflection of our Mother’s steadfast love, tenacity and beautiful smile will always be seen in her pride and joy - the three great-grandchildren who would call her “MamMa Zelda” - Griffin Fae McGinnis, Halston Hayes McGinnis and Carter Grace McGinnis. Those who also survive her are her precious sister, Velma Davis, several nieces and nephews as well as friends. She wasn’t perfect, but she was perfect for us. Mother was a strong, tenacious and generous woman. There are many aspects of Proverbs 31 that are very fitting for Mother. Most every one of us can look back and see her vividly active throughout our lives...A PTA/snow cone/room mother, a gifted seamstress, our biggest fan in the bleachers. She taught us important things like how to write thank-you notes, how delicious snow ice cream is, that birthdays are special and the image of how to be a wonderful grandmother. She showed us what a full Christmas stocking looks like, and how to have the best Easter egg hunts, and the love inside of a college care package. She let us learn that every child needs a dog and showed us how to protect our children...even to the point of killing a water moccasin under a boat. She exampled that family meal time should be spent around the table together and that hard work pays off in success. Thankfully, and most importantly, Mother also learned the Truth of God’s Word and had her part in leading all three of us to become Christians. As a member of the Lord’s Church, in lieu of flowers, Mother would want any memorials to be carried out in acts of kindness, showing love to others and more importantly, to each other. Life is the opportunity to impact the world and those around you, as a living example of Jesus. That is a person’s true legacy. Our Mother was the first person the three of us ever loved; our hope is in the promise of seeing her again one day. A private service for family will be December 28, 2020.

Zelda Louise Rentler Gatlin

October 3, 1931 - December 12, 2020