Lenna Ruth Coates Renner was born on November 29, 1942 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Inez Esther Ruth Smith and Richard Henry Coates.

Due to many health complications, Lena passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 24, 2021 and went to be with our Lord, and her beloved husband, Conrad Harold Renner in heaven.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and her brother Charles Coates.

She is survived by her brother Jim Coates and her sisters Barbara Coates, Nancy and Chris Beck and Cheryl and Kelly Nichols. Her daughter Debbie Renner-Sloan and husband Chad and their daughter KaLeigh Sloan and spouse Finley Boyle. Her son, John Renner and his wife Mary. Her daughter Melinda and husband Russell Gardiner. Her granddaughter Grace and her husband Curtis Scott.

Our beloved Joan completed her life’s journey on her birthday, February 9th, 2021.

She was born in 1942 to William and Edythe Allen and grew up in Waco, Texas. Joan attended Southwestern University, and while there she met her true love, Mervyn “Merv” Stelter. Joan and Merv celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on February 2, 2021. Joan was loved by many, but no one loved her more than Merv.

After graduation from East Texas State University, Joan began her career in education spanning over 25 years. She touched many lives with her warm smile and positive spirit. Many of her very best friends were fellow teachers, and she was passionate about mentoring young teachers. Her favorite part of teaching was instilling the love of reading in her students. Joan was an avid reader herself, and if she wasn’t spending time with her family she was curled up with a good book.

Joan was her grandchildren’s biggest fan. She loved to cheer them on at sporting events, cheerleading and dance competitions. She was truly happiest surrounded by family. Joan was a fierce tennis competitor and loved her Northlake family. She never met a stranger. Joan loved to say “have a great life,” and she definitely lived those words each day.

Joan is survived by her husband, Merv Stelter, two daughters JoAnn Blaylock and Cynthia Michael. JoAnn’s husband Mikel and their children Cole, Ben and Emily Jane, and Cynthia Ann’s husband Shawn and their daughter Kaide Shannon, as well as Joan’s sister Jean Allen James and brother Gabe Allen and wife Sandy.

“Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.” -Proverbs 3 17:18

Well done my good and faithful servant. We will see you again.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.