Brenda Gail Rosengartner

Brenda Gail "Mayes" Rosengartner, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, left this world on January 24, 2025, at the age of 75. Born February 8, 1949, in Los Angeles, California to Hershel M. Mayes and Zellah L. Mayes. Brenda embodied an adventurous spirit that led her through a vibrant life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Brenda was known for her fun and fiercely independent personality; she was not one to shy away from new experiences. In fact, she earned her motorcycle license in 1970, often picking her children up from school on her little Honda, much to their delight.

Her life was a tapestry woven with joyful moments spent by the lake during summer, cherishing the simple pleasures of swimming, water skiing, and fishing, as well as immersing herself in the beauty of nature while hunting in the woods. In 1980, Brenda met the love of her life, and shortly after, they relocated to Garland, Texas, in 1981, finally settled in Emory in 2000. Their life together was filled with adventure as they traveled across the nation, with Brenda even earning her CDL to drive the big rig alongside her husband. She embraced every opportunity to experience the open road fully, never content to merely be a passenger.

Family was everything to Brenda. She was affectionately known by various nicknames: "Aunt Bum-Bum" to her nieces and nephews, "Grandma" to her grandchildren, and "Meanie" (with grandpa being referred to as "Grumpy"). Her love for her family was clear, as she attended her granddaughters' school programs, sporting events, and band boosters, always cheering them on with pride.

She was a woman of many talents and passions, having carved out a fulfilling career at Walmart in Mineola, Texas, Home Depot in Greenville, Texas, and Change Healthcare in Greenville, Texas. She graduated from Central High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where her adventurous nature began to shine.

Brenda had a passion for horses and actively participated in rodeos and trail rides. Her spirit shone brightly at events like the Mesquite Rodeo Grand Entry Parade or the Winnsboro Trail Ride. She cherished the time spent with friends and family at the barn.

Brenda raised and trained Dobermans and Akitas. She took great pride in training these dogs for veterans all over the world. Brenda's commitment to her cause extended to her support for Lone Star Akita Rescue of Greenville, Texas.

Her culinary skills were equally remarkable, with Brenda often seen baking delicious treats for friends, family, and coworkers. Holidays were especially joyous, as visitors would leave her home with generous bags of homemade cookies and loaves of bread. In her spare time, she found joy in crafting beautiful quilts that she lovingly gifted to special people or donated to community programs, including Rains Band Boosters and the Jack Russell Terrier Association.

A proud member of the Bull Creek Cowboy Church in Lone Oak, Texas, Brenda was also a full patched member of the Circuit Rider Motorcycle Ministry, where she earned her road name “CryBaby.” Her name was a fitting description of her emotional spirit; she was known to cry with happiness, hunger, or simply in appreciation of life's moments. Yet, those who knew her understood the fierceness that lay beneath her joyful tears.

Brenda's journey home to Texas came in the comforting cab of a big rig, surrounded by memories of love and adventure. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in a private graveside ceremony for family and close friends at Smryna Cemetery. As her loved ones say goodbye, they celebrate a life lived fully, beautifully, and adventurously—a true legacy of love, laughter, and forging your own path; she will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

Brenda is survived by, her children, Keith Lawrence and Elaine of Advance, MO, Dana Morris and John of Sulphur Springs, TX, Donald Lawrence of Gatesville, TX, Debra West and James of Princeton, TX, Rodney Rosengartner of Huntsville, TX, Robin Tucker and Kenny of Caddo Mills, TX, Duane Rosengartner and Kristine of Tyler, TX; grandchildren, Brandy Loe and Matt of Emory, TX, Jessica McCallum and William of Greenville, TX, Alica Alvizo and Berto of Edgewood, TX, Alex Lawrence and Kaylee of Advance, MO, as well as her sister, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Rosengartner (2014); parents, Hershel M. Mayes (1949) and Zellah L. Mayes (1993) and brother, Ronnie Mayes.

No need for flowers, donation to Sadie’s Place Animal Rescue 

PO Box 445 Lone Oak, TX 75453

https://linktr.ee/sadiesplacerescue