10 Most Beautiful: Brenda Rantz
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Name: Brenda Rantz
Age: 53
Occupation: Director of Finance for Nixa School District
Hometown: Nixa
Family: She has a husband, Jim, and son, Zachary
What are your goals?
I try to maintain a high standard of ethics and integrity in my job and try to help others reach that same goal. In my personal life I always want to be a good example and enjoy life.
How do you deal with pressure?
I step back and look at the situation. One of the best ways I like to do it is to get outside and get a better perspective.
What motivates you?
Wanting to do the best I can and trying to be a good example.
If you could start a new career, what would you do?
I would’ve liked to be an archaeologist or go into law enforcement. I would love to go to Egypt and go on a dig. I’ve always found that fascinating. I read a lot and study a lot. As for law enforcement, my dad was in law enforcement, and I have high respect for those individuals. It would be a great way to help people.
Who are your real life heroes?
My husband and my son. My son just amazes me because I think in his eyes there isn’t a mountain high enough that he can’t climb. My husband is my support.
What’s your biggest fear?
I think the fear of the unknown. That would probably freak me out more than anything. Not knowing what’s going to happen.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year?
I always have my Bible, and I especially love the book of Genesis. I like to get in depth about creation, and I think the first two chapters of Genesis is the basis of our entire life. I think it’s important for people to know that.
What’s your favorite quote?
It’s from the Bible: “For I have learned whatsoever state I am in therewith to be content.” It means to me that there’s always a reason why you go through different things, and you should try to be content wherever you are.
When are you happiest?
When I’m with my family.
Do you have a prized possession?
My son’s handprint from Bible school when he was young. I have it lying on my dresser, and if the house was on fire that’s what I would run for. He’s 28 now, so it’s funny to see the difference in the hand size.
What part of the world would you like to visit but haven’t?
Israel or Egypt because of my interest in archaeology. I love to read about digs.
If you could share a taxi from the airport with any celebrity, who would you choose?
Probably Elivs. I’m a big Elvis fan. If I could have had that opportunity that would have been fun.
When you look in a mirror, what do you see?
I think I see somebody that’s happy with myself and content with who I am. I think it takes years to feel at peace.
If you could eliminate a trait of your own, what would it be?
Worry. If I could just not worry that would be great.
If you could go back to a certain age again, what would it be?
It sure would not be junior high school. I think it would be back to when I was 5. To be a child again with the wonders that they see would be great.
Give me three words that describe yourself.
Loyal, patient, sincere
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
In September I’ll be a 5-year cancer survivor so that’s a big one.
What talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to sing. I would love to be musically inclined.
What do you know for sure?
Where I’ll spend eternity. I’m absolutely sure of that.
When was the last time you did something reckless?
I’m really not a reckless person. I’m pretty careful. Something that might surprise people is that my husband and I raise cattle, which can sometimes get you in trouble. Being out there working with the cattle can be dangerous.
What is your philosophy in life?
I think that we’re here to serve others, and I want people to feel like if they need me I’ll be there.
If you had $1 million, how would you spend it?
I probably would give a lot of it to my son. Parents always want the best for their child. I’d have a big house in the country with a lot of cattle and a big barn with lots of little animals.
What sort of work do you try to avoid or put off?
Probably dusting, especially my office at work.
What do you worry about most?
Probably about health issues. Having gone through cancer it’s always in the back of your mind.
Can you describe a situation in which you feel you behaved courageously?
I think that going through cancer was a challenge and you never really knew what to expect. There were days when I would be really scared. You have to take it head on, day by day.
What mistakes in your life have you learned from?
I think that I’ve learned not to take things so seriously and that you should enjoy every day. A mistake would be weighing things too heavily
What was your first job?
Working at JC Penney in the candy counter. They used to have a candy counter there.
