Renelda Larose Westmoreland-Polk

Renelda Larose Westmoreland-Polk, 68, was born November 17, 1957, in Amarillo, Texas, to Calhoun and Mildred Westmoreland and passed away October 9, 2026. She was the 2nd of 4 children. She will be remembered as beloved and devoted—a woman of faith and resilience whose presence could be both steadying and unforgettable, and whose thoughtful wisdom met life with clarity and conviction.

Renelda graduated from Palo Duro in 1976, carrying forward a determined, go-getter spirit that never seemed to dim. She was known for seeing things plainly—black and white, never grey—and for meeting each season with purpose, perseverance, and a selfless willingness to do what needed to be done.

Across her working life, Renelda was a true “Jack of All Trades,” bringing skill and care to every role she held: LPN, loan officer, entrepreneur in interior decorating, and feather painting. Whether serving others through her work or creating beauty with her hands, she lived with intention and left a mark on every person she met—sometimes with a quick, humorous spark, always with a lasting impression. Those that knew her, knew she was "Bat shit crazy... but in the best way possible."

Renelda carried a fashionista energy and a spirit that refused to quit. She was young at heart and never willing to give up, and she worked toward the life she wanted—completing most of her bucket list, including confronting her fear of the ocean. Her resilience was not loud for its own sake; it was lived, day after day, in the way she showed up, spoke honestly, and loved without holding back.

Renelda’s life was anchored by family. She was married first to Michael Shoels, and later to Charles Polk, who preceded her in death in 2009. She is survived by 2 siblings Candice and Charles; her children: Karston, Nakashia, Edward, Charles, Jeremiah and Shee (Goddaughter); and by her grandchildren: Monique, Micheal, Anasteasia, Fauntanique, Kiana, Zen, Kyrell and Tahjae. Along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones. Traveling and time together were among her joys, and her greatest passion was her family—especially her grandchildren, who held a singular place in her heart. She lived for her daughter and her grandchildren, and “family first” was not simply a phrase, but a guiding principle.

A faithful servant and an inspirational presence, Renelda poured herself into her church and community. She served as Church Choir Director, Community Activist, Youth Group Director, and Missionary. She served on Hopes Inc. Outreach Board for 8 years - coordinating the back to school drive, Cuts 4 Kid and assisting with weekly food bank deliveries/pickups —roles that reflected her devotion, her courage in the face of challenge, and her steady desire to lift others.

Renelda battled breast cancer and ovarian cancer. She won but if you ask her, she would tell you that the fight was never hers, it was the Lords. Her unbridled passion for life gave her the drive to overcome anything. She always went the extra mile even if it was not necessarily required by anyone else - that's just who she was. Her fire was contagious at times. She made those around her either want to get up and make things happen or ready to cuss her out because her delivery was not always the best, to say the least.

To know Renelda, was to know an exceptional woman that looked fear in the face every time she was knocked down. She believed wholeheartedly that you cannot have a testimony without going through the test. On October 9th, she endured her final test and this is her testimony - she is no longer in pain, she is no longer fighting the good fight, she is finally at peace.

“Note to my daughter - My precious child, I love you and will never leave you. Remember the words that you heard so often while growing up. "You are not alone even when I am not by your side; during your times of trial and suffering, when you only see one set of footprints, it is then that you know the Lord is carrying you and I'm not far behind.”

The family would like to thank the friends that have supported her over the years, as well the staff at Silver Birch- Avondale. The community they provided was unmatched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 West Northern Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, on October 26, 2026, at 11:00 am.