Renee passed away peacefully at the age of 57 on May 20, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in the Woodlands, Texas. Renee was born on August 29, 1967, in Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her mother, Gearldean Price Kelley; father, Robert Ellis Merritt; stepfather, Ura Eugene Kelley; brothers, Virgle Lee Kelley and Harold Gene Kelley; her husband, Robert Ellis Armstrong; and her beloved son, Kyler Wayne Schmidt.
She is survived by her loving sister Dorthey B. Rape; stepdaughter, Kallie Miller and husband Ben; stepson, Zach Armstrong; and numerous nieces and nephews, too many to name.
Renee graduated from Conroe High School in 1985. She had various jobs over the years but one of her most memorable jobs was as a bus monitor for CISD. While waiting for the afternoon bus run, she would often play cards with the other drivers and monitors at the bus barn. Renee was known for her competitive spirit, her love of playing games and for NOT putting up with cheaters! In August of 2005 she married her second husband, Robert Ellis Armstrong and together they raised her only child, Kyler Wayne Schmidt. Renee adored Kyler; his generous spirit can be attributed to his mother's huge heart and thoughtfulness towards family and friends. His death left a huge hole in her heart and she never quite recovered from his loss.
After leaving the bus barn Renee worked for her family at the pawn shop in Conroe until her late husband became too ill for her to be away from him. She was excellent with customers and could easily join in on any conversation and make anyone feel at home. Renee was also known for her love of shopping, shoes, designer handbags, purses, watches, earrings; her fabulous taste in fashion and always wanting to share with us the newest trends in clothing, shoes or the latest greatest gadgets! She loved giving details of the popular TV shows she watched and which ones she did or did not recommend, and she loved to share the most note worthy "newsy" info she had received from a phone call or text. Renee also shared a love for sports with Robert and she could hold her own with player stats, team stats, and anything sports related.
Renee made the most important decision of her life when she accepted and confessed the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior June 6, 1984 at First Baptist Church Grangerland. Last year after hearing her pastor’s sermon on baptism, she felt convicted to rededicate her life with a public confession through baptism. Renee was rebaptized on Mother’s Day 2024 at Mims Baptist Church in Conroe. As a result of her rededication, she spent this past year daily listening to scripture and the Sunday sermons from Mims Baptist.
Renee will be remembered for her generous kind heart and for her genuine love and interest in others.
There will be a Celebration of Life at noon on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at First Baptist Church Grangerland, 15975 FM 3083, Grangerland, TX 77302. The family will begin receiving friends 30 minutes prior. Reception will immediately follow the service in the fellowship hall.