Brenda Merle Dahse Smock

Brenda Merle Smock, age 75, of Mineral Wells, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at 12:25 a.m. at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, surrounded by her loving family. Brenda was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma in late June of 2025 and faced her illness with remarkable strength and determination until the end.

A Celebration of Life honoring Brenda will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Rest Yourself River Ranch, 133 Seybold Road, Mineral Wells, Texas. The service will be followed by a catered BBQ dinner and time of fellowship.

Brenda was born on September 3, 1950, in Mathis, Texas, and raised in the Orange Grove area, the daughter of Henry John Dahse and Merline Koenig Dahse. She attended Orange Grove Schools from first through twelfth grade, graduating high school in 1969. Growing up, Brenda worked in the fields with her family, helped with their laying hen operation, and was actively involved in 4-H, band, and school activities—early signs of the strong work ethic and servant’s heart she carried throughout her life.

She attended Bee County Junior College from 1969 to 1971, then transferred to Texas State University in San Marcos, where she earned her degree in education in 1973, with endorsements in elementary and kindergarten education. Brenda began her career as an educator in Breckenridge, Texas, where she helped establish the kindergarten program and taught for two years.

In July of 1973, Brenda married Richard Smock of San Antonio. Together they made their home in Breckenridge, Texas, where they raised their family. Brenda ended her teaching career in 1979 to stay home and devote herself to raising her children. Never one to sit still, she soon began sewing for the public and baking pies for the Village Inn Restaurant on Hubbard Creek Lake.

In 1980, Brenda and Richard opened Smock’s Garden Center on Walker Street in Breckenridge. After a devastating flood in 1984, the business was rebuilt at a new location on the west side of town, where it flourished. Brenda owned and operated Smock’s Garden Center from 1980 to 1995, running a thriving nursery and employing many Breckenridge High School students over the years. In 1992, she expanded her entrepreneurial spirit by opening a floral and gift shop, which soon led to the start of her catering business—first serving civic clubs and eventually the public with popular noon buffets.

While living in Breckenridge, Brenda was deeply involved in the Stephens County 4-H program, the Garden Club, and numerous civic organizations. She was a devoted supporter of young people, faithfully driving them to stock shows, sporting events, and other activities—never missing a game, match, or show.

In the fall of 1992, Brenda’s life took a challenging turn when her son, Steven Henry Smock, was diagnosed with pituitary cancer. For two years, she set aside her businesses to care for him at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas. During that time, Brenda also cooked meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, offering comfort and nourishment to others even while walking her own difficult path. Her daughter, Stephanie Smock Renfro, helped manage the family businesses during her junior and senior years of high school.

In 1995, following Steven’s remission, the passing of her mother, Merline Dahse, and her divorce, Brenda continued running her catering business in Breckenridge until 2002, when she relocated her business to the Mineral Wells area, where she would live until her passing.

From 2003 to 2009, Brenda partnered with a friend to manage bookkeeping for The Chilton Company, a construction business in the Austin area. With the help of her son-in-law, Justin Renfro, the company grew significantly, building more than 75 homes per year as an independent contractor for Toll Brothers and Mercedes Homes throughout the Austin and San Antonio markets.

In 2009, Brenda faced another life-altering challenge when her son Steven suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall at the Houston Livestock Show, resulting in his use of a wheelchair. Brenda became his devoted caregiver, a role she embraced with unwavering love and resilience.

In 2011, Brenda reignited her passion for cooking and service by restarting her catering business, which continued to flourish until the very end of her life. Serving others was truly her calling. Her catering took her across North, South, and West Texas, with a special focus on Parker, Palo Pinto, Erath, and Stephens Counties. Through her work, she formed many cherished friendships and touched countless lives.

Brenda had a deep love for the outdoors and a true passion for traveling, much like her father. She loved seeing the country, fishing, hunting, and visiting new cities whenever she had the opportunity. Whether it was a road trip across Texas or exploring somewhere new, Brenda found joy in the journey itself. Those adventures fed her adventurous spirit and gave her countless stories she loved to share with family and friends.

Brenda’s greatest joy was her family—especially her role as “Grandma” to her grandsons, Kase and Kade Renfro, born in 1999 and 2001. They were her world. She never missed a stock show, football game, school function, or church event, often loading Steven and his wheelchair into the vehicle in the early morning hours to be wherever her boys needed her. Her passions included caring for Steven, serving others, cattle and cattle shows, gardening, her businesses, and watching high school and college football.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Merline Dahse, and her brother-in-law, Danny Williams.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Renfro and husband Justin; her son, Steven Smock; her grandsons, Kase and Kade Renfro; her sister, Sara Williams; nieces and nephews Kim Williams Poe and husband Chris of Austin; Jason Williams and wife Stephanie of San Antonio; Katie Williams Vincent and husband Chase of LaVernia; Jesse Beckett and wife Maureen of Austin; Charles Smock and wife Brittney of New Braunfels; Lauren Smock Flippin and husband Brian of Kyle; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and many cousins from the Dahse and Koenig families.

The family wishes to thank all who have reached out through calls, texts, and social media. Your love, prayers, and words of comfort have meant more than you know.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Temple, Texas, in honor of Brenda’s compassion and the care she shared with families during their time there.