DEA JEAN (PETTY) RENFRO June 11, 1950 – Oct. 30, 2024
Dea was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1950. She graduated from Los Alamos High School, attended UNM, and became a dental hygienist. She married Larry Renfro in 1970. In 1972, they welcomed their only son, Steve.
Dea is survived by Steve, her 2 grandchildren, Genevieve and Jackson, and their mother, Jennifer. She is also survived by two sisters, Lee Ann Waterman (husband Ted), Sue Harper (husband Ron), sister-in-law Shelli Petty (Mullins), and her wonderful mother-in-law Mary Renfro, together with many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Dea’s parents (Roy Petty and Carol and Bill Showers), her brother Bill Petty, and her former husband Larry predeceased her.
Dea worked for Dr. William McAdoo as his hygienist for many years. During this same time, she volunteered in the local Civitan organization and engaged with others in all walks of life. She drove a van for ARCA and developed friendships with many of her passengers. She had compassion and empathy for handicapped people and those in life who were invisible, lost and forgotten. She made several trips to Honduras to provide pro bono professional services to persons who had limited or no access to dentistry. As she shared her love of Jesus with them, she provided relief, not just for their aching teeth but for their aching and struggling hearts as well. She was a true servant.
The greatest reward Dea received in life were her two grandchildren, Vivie (Genevieve) and Jackson (Jack). Being their “Grammy” brought beautiful smiles to her face and she looked forward to each and every opportunity to be with them. She deeply loved and was immensely proud of them. Today, these two fine young adults represent all the answered prayers which were fervently offered by Dea.
During the last few years, Dea took on a new profession as a crossing guard at two elementary schools. It did not take long for these little ones (and their parents) to develop a deep affection for her and, of course, Dea felt the same towards them. They often brought her gifts in the form of artwork, special signs and little items they had created especially for her. As she carefully and joyfully guided them to safety, her nurturing instincts came into full play. We are very grateful for those kind and caring families who filled Dea with joy and fulfillment at the close of her life. Our family often prayed that God would provide a ‘soft landing’ for Dea. On her last day, we believe that she was, once again, heading to the schools to carefully guide her little beloved ones safely to the other side. Before Dea was able to perform this loving service, God safely guided her to His other side, where her Savior awaited. We cannot imagine a more exquisite landing in Heaven.