Nelda Ruth Keener Minton's Obituary
Nelda Ruth Keener Minton passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Dallas, Texas on April 13, 2024, lovingly surrounded by family. Nelda was born on July 9, 1938 in Irving, Texas to Lela Belle (Slater) Keener and Charles Houston Keener. Nelda, the baby of the family, was welcomed by four older siblings: George Monroe, Lela Mae, Lois Lorene and Ruby Jean. Her favorite childhood memory was feeding chickens on her family’s property, which inspired a lifetime love and concern for all animals. Nelda graduated from Irving High School and later from Draugham’s Business College with a certificate in secretarial science. She worked as a secretary at various government agencies, but her most treasured role in life was that of motherhood. Nelda married in 1965 and lived in Louisiana for several years before moving back to the Dallas area. She was the proud mother of three daughters and raised her family in Garland, Texas where she continued to live for many years. She always said the three best days of her life were the days her daughters were born. Nelda made holidays magical and had a childlike love of play and imagination, which her children, and later grandchildren, benefited from. Nelda was a lifelong Christian of the Church of Christ denomination, living out the principles of kindness to others and caring for those less fortunate. She fed stray cats, made them winterized homes and left ice water on her patio on hot summer days for her furry and feathered friends. She was an avid reader and passed along her love of poetry and literature to her daughters and grandchildren. She also enjoyed sewing and crafts and made many beautiful dresses for herself and later her children and grandchildren. Nelda never passed up a piece of good cake or pie, and her iced tea could not be too sweet. She was no doubt met in heaven by a multitude of family pets whom she joyfully spoiled over the years.
Nelda is preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her daughters Michele Denise Davis (Shannon) of Fate, Texas, Angela Ruth Minton (Marshall King) of Richardson, Texas, Tiffany Anne Fleckenstein (Claus) of Dallas Texas, her eight grandchildren, whom she loved and adored immensely: Nathan Davis (Rachel) of Tomball, Texas, Timothy Davis (Lesley) of Kingwood, Texas, Lela Minton-Rice (Adam) of Austin, Texas, Julia Fleckenstein of Chicago, Illinois, Caleb Davis of Fate, Texas, Casey Davis of Waco, Texas, Stella Foreman and Charity Foreman of Dallas, Texas, as well as three great-grandchildren: Julia, Meredith and Benjamin.
Nelda’s family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers of the Silver Leaf Residential Care Home who provided such loving care and careful attention to her during her final months of life, particularly Gabrieth “Gabby” Malama, as well as Molly Kendall, R.N. of Tribute Hospice, a true angel on earth. Nelda’s family will gather to celebrate her life at a private graveside service on April 18, 2024. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to any animal welfare organization.
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