Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
May 4, 1919 - Jan 18, 2012
So sorry to read of your mother's passing. She was a wonderful woman and the obiturary was so well written honoring her life.
Mike and Marilyn (Wood) Barkley, rural Toledo, IL
January 21, 2012
Larry, Jerry, and Rogene,
I was not able to come to the service this morning but wanted you to know that you were certainly in my thoughts. I can remember coming to your house before the new one was built. The obituary was very good - your parents made a good team. We have many good memories. Our parents gave us a good foundation. They are no longer having to struggle and can once again be together. Easier said than done - but we must remember that.
Take care,
Janice...
January 21, 2012
Rogene,
It is never easy to say goodbye to a parent, as you know. I am so sorry to hear of your mother's death. We are in Florida so I could not be at the visitation. You and David are in our prayers. Love you.
Dona King
January 21, 2012 | Mattoon, IL
Rogene,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.
Sandy (Markwell) McElravy
January 20, 2012 | Greenup, IL
DIONA, IL – Lena Rogene Rennels, age 92 of Diona, passed away at her Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center home in Effingham on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Visitation for family and friends will be held this evening (Friday, January 20) from 5:00 until 7:00 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Funeral Chapel with Reverend Bill Boaz officiating. Interment will follow in Bell Cemetery located in Cumberland County, Illinois. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her honor be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Lena was born on May 4, 1919 in Cumberland County, Illinois a daughter of the late Harold and Nora (Hubbard) Lawyer. She became the bride of James M. Rennels on July 3, 1940 in Palmyra, Missouri and they celebrated sixty-nine years of marriage prior to his death on April 18 of 2010. She is survived by their three children, Gerald M. "Jerry" Rennels and his wife Nancy C. of rural Charleston, Larry Rennels of Edwards, Illinois, Rogene Craig and her husband Dave of Quincy, Illinois; three grandchildren, Darrell Rennels and wife Holly of Charleston, Andrea Rennels of St. Charles, Missouri, Chad Craig of Quincy; and two great-grandchildren, Kyler and Brayden Rennels, both of Charleston. In addition to her parents and husband, Lena was preceded by a sister, Louise Jones and a brother, Eugene "Gene" Lawyer.
Lena was a long-time member of the Clear Creek Separate Baptist Church in Cumberland County where she taught Sunday school for many years. Her love for music complemented her musical talent and she also served for many years as church pianist as well. She was also a former member of the Cumberland County Home Extension and the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Club of Diona.
Lena and Jim made quite a team as together they owned and operated their grain and livestock farm in Diona. In addition to helping Jim she also enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, various crafts, taught herself to sew and was a marvelous cook. Her noodles and yeast rolls were always a family favorite and the aroma of her oatmeal-raisin cookies brought the anticipation of a delicious treat. Lena's family was her pride and joy and as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother she created for them a home filled with warmth and love - a place that still holds for all of them an abundance of fond and treasured memories. Lena also appreciated her many friends and neighbors and cultivated those neighborhood friendships which have lasted a lifetime.
The memories of Lena will not be of the woman who has lived many years with Alzheimers; but instead, those of a special lady who touched the hearts and minds of her friends and family with her generous and loving spirit.Click here to view Lena's memorial video.Read More
