Sulema Garcia Rentz

Sulema Garcia Rentz, born September 1, 1965 in Gomez Palacio, DGO, Mexico, 60, passed away Friday, December 26, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama after a brief battle with cancer. The Albertville, Alabama resident was 60.

After growing up "pretty much in poverty," Sulema migrated to the United States of America in November 1996 and became a U.S. citizen 27 years later, according to her husband, David.

Sulema's abundant ambition made up for her lack of material wealth when she first arrived in the United States. Due to her strong work ethic, she earned enough money to faithfully pay taxes, buy a small farm, own cars, and die without any debt, David said. "Despite her health challenges, she never gave up hope in living. She should be admired by everyone for the full life she lived!"

At the time of her death, Sulema was employed in food processing with Pilgrim's Pride in Albertville. In her leisure, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, flower gardening, and watching the Mexican professional football of Club Santos Laguna.

Sulema was preceded in death by her father, Felipe Garcia; her mother, Ricarda Neri; her brothers, Norberto, Delfino, Guadelupe, and Felipe; and her sisters, Yolanda, Concepcion, and Norma.

She is survived by her husband, David Ira Rentz, to whom she was married on February 24, 1996; two adult daughters, Atz Rentz and Iris Rentz; and special niece, Sanjuana Garcia.

Sulema's family thanks the following professionals for their loving care: Dr. Luciano Costa and the UAB Oncology team, Dr. Gideon Ewing and the Marshall Medical Cancer Center staff, and the staff of the UAB Bone Marrow Transplant Unit.

A Celebration of Sulema's Life will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Albertville Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Albertville, Alabama.