Mary Merm Evelyn Renneker Volz

Mary Evelyn Renneker Volz, 74, passed away Friday, February 8, 2013 in Rowlett, Texas. “Merm”, as she was known among family, was born December 21, 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Paul Aloysius Renneker and Edith Evelyn Ellsberry Renneker.

Mary grew up in Cincinnati Ohio, graduated from North College High School in 1956, got married and started a family in Mt Healthy, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. Mary gave birth to her first four children, Milton, Mike, Danny & Sally before pulling up roots in Mt Healthy when her husband, Milton Volz Jr., was offered an employment opportunity in Houston, Texas. They lived in the Spring Branch area of Houston where Mary later welcomed their fourth son and fifth child, David. The move also had the benefit of allowing Mary to be closer to her parents & brother’s, Sonny and Nick, who already resided in Richardson, Texas.

They upgraded to a larger home in Cypress, TX that provided elbow room in an area that felt a little like the country. They felt more at home after they added a couple of Tennessee Walkers (Big John and Geronimo), Rhode Island Reds, chickens and a lamb to the family.

Mary relocated her family to North Garland area of Dallas where she started a Montessori Private School in her home that eventually grew large enough to sustain its own brick and mortar location in the same area. Mary was a strong business woman whose only intent was to serve the needs of those she loved most, her children. Even when she was selfish it was to benefit the family.

Mary took advantage of the opportunity to live near her new granddaughter, Janna and her oldest son, Milton in South Florida. She resided in Century Village, a 55 and over only community in Boca Raton for over ten years where she made lots of friends, played lots of bridge and other card games, played her organ and offered help and transportation to other residents who weren’t able to drive themselves in her Mercury Mountaineer SUV, that she loved so much. Mary was known for giving of her time to family, friends and others in need.

Mike and Gina later brought Mary to the Mercer House, a senior living assistance facility in Rowlett, TX. Mary quickly made herself at home and was loved by all the staff and residence.

Mary never seemed to be without an electric organ all through her life. She truly enjoyed playing her electric organ and she will be remembered for always laughing, smiling and loving life her way.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her brother “Sonny”, Paul Renneker. Those left to cherish her life are her children Milton, Michael, Daniel, Sally, and David along with their spouses, children and grandchildren. Mary leaves behind her sister Patricia and little brother “Nicky”, and their families.

Mary was blessed to have spent one-on-one time, spread out over different periods of her life, with her 7 beautiful grandchildren, Justin, Preston, Tanner, Connor, Corey, Joshua and Janna.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to United Way in Dallas https://give.unitedwaydallas.org/page/contribute/give

The family will be hosting a private family remembrance celebration for family and friends on Saturday, February 23rd from 11 to 2 pm at 2209 Hillside Drive in Rowlett.