Nelda Ruth Gentsch's Obituary
GENTSCH, NELDA RUTH Born June 24, 1929, and died December 21, 2010, in Garland, Texas. Nelda graduated from Garland High School in 1947 and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from East Texas State University. She was a teacher at Parkcrest Elementay in Garland before becoming principal of Southgate Elementary in 1975. She served there for 27 years impacting countless lives. Nelda taught 6th grade Sunday School at First Baptist Church in Garland for many years and participated in many other ministries there including the prayer ministry, Keenagers, PraiseSingers, and mission trips. Her cooking skills are legendary. She would often get up early in the morning and make cinnamon rolls for her faculty before heading to school for the day. She was a tireless worker at the Friendship House and Hope Clinic in Garland. She was one of the founders of the first Thursday Salad Supper Club, a group composed of friends who had raised their children together, in 1982. Other memberships include Alpha Delta Kappa-an educational sorority and TaleSpinners. Nelda is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Donna and Mike Martin, her son Paul Gentsch, four grandchildren-Collin and Kathryn Martin, Tyler and Melissa Martin, Spencer Martin, and Mallory Martin–and one great-grandchild Macy Martin with 2 more due to make their arrival in 2011. She is also survived by her brother Carl Luna and sister Anita Jordan. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Edward Gentsch in 1990, her brother Lloyd Ray Luna and sister Glenda Black. There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m., Thursday, December 23, at First Baptist Church in Garland. Memorials may be made to Friendship House; 620 West Avenue B; Garland, TX 75040.
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