On Monday, September 12, 2022, Wendy Lyn Brantley, precious wife, mother, daughter and friend, was welcomed into Heaven and the loving arms of Jesus at the age of 48. Wendy resided in Celina, Texas and was born September 28, 1973, in Denver, Iowa to Daniel and Jo Lyn (Steege) Matthias. She moved with her mom and brother to Crowley, Texas in middle school and graduated summa cum laude from Crowley High School in 1992. She attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas where she played volleyball before completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at Texas Women’s University in Denton. She went on to receive her Master’s of Physical Therapy degree at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.
Wendy married her high school sweetheart and best friend, Todd Brantley, on May 24, 1997, in Ft. Worth, Texas at Travis Avenue Baptist Church. Wendy was a member of First Celina Baptist Church. Wendy loved Jesus and helping others believe in him and grow in their personal faith. She led several Bible studies for women and children wherever she was, at church, in her home, in her clinic, and everywhere God allowed. Todd loved Wendy more than life, and they had a special bond that was unshakable and rooted in their faith in Christ.
Wendy’s life was blessed by her daughter, Makenna, who she loved more than she could possibly know, and was her biggest fan in life. After Makenna was born, Wendy committed to being home as a full-time mom after practicing Pediatric and Aquatic Therapy for many years. Her heart was full for all patients, but pediatrics was her greatest passion. The children in her care would laugh, and feel love and comfort from Wendy as she shared Jesus’ unconditional love for them. She built strong bonds with those who were broken and softened their pain through scripture and prayer.
Wendy’s beauty, her big smile and sweet laugh brought others joy. She listened intently and connected deeply with her friends, family & patients. She was a loyal friend to many and a mentor for those hurting. She had a competitive spirit as an athlete, but also loved cheering on others to succeed, none more so than on the soccer field watching Makenna play. Wendy loved the outdoors and taking long walks while listening to worship music. She also spent many hours with her horse, Lacey whether it was braiding her hair, talking to her or just simply spending countless hours caring for her.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Todd Brantley of Celina, Texas; daughter, Makenna Brantley, also of Celina; mother, Jo Lyn Ardis and husband, Al of Denton, Texas; father, Daniel Matthias of St. Louis, Missouri; brothers, Zach Ardis and wife, Kenna of Aubrey, Texas and Kyle Matthias and wife, Kirsten of St. Louis, Missouri; sister, Stephanie Krutzsch and husband, Corey, also of St. Louis; brother-in-law, Chad Brantley and wife, Kim of Burleson, Texas; sister-in-law, Andrea Daniel; brother-in-law, Ryan Brantley and wife, Sara of Arlington, Texas; father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Rhonda Brantley of Burleson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Christopher Matthias, by her grandparents, LeRoy and Wilma Steege, and Arlin and Lucile Matthias.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 19, 2022, at First Celina Baptist Church, 841 N. Preston Rd., Celina, Texas, 75009. Interment will follow at Cottage Hill Cemetery in Celina, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 300 Pecan St., Gunter, Texas. 75058.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Grace Bridge: in honor of Wendy Brantley, a faith-based ministry serving Hope to those in need. (www.GraceBridge.us)