Katherine Paynter

Katherine (Rena) Paynter

Katherine (Rena) Paynter of Everett, WA died peacefully January 15, 2011 at her home with family around her.
Rena was born on June 19, 1924 in Concord, Ca to Italian immigrants Giovanni and Carmela Buscagila. The family moved to Snohomish, WA in 1927 where Rena's father was a partner in the Boitano Produce Farm. Rena worked at Boeing during WWII. She loved to go ballroom dancing and it was at once such dance that she met a young Army man, Lawrence (Red) Paynter. They were married in Indianapolis, IN on May 25, 1946. In 1948 they moved back to Washington to be closer to Rena's family. She worked at the independent laundry and then the Valetor Cleaners until she retired. Rena loved her home on Maple Street where she welcomed family and friends. She was known by the children in the neighborhood as the "candy lady." Rena would place Bible scriptures on her screen door, the children would pick a verse to read, and then she would give them a piece of candy. Quite a little ministry there on Maple Street. Rena was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she was in charge of the Sunday morning coffee hour for many years.
Rena is survived by her husband of 64 years Red, of the home; stepson, Larry Paynter, of Plainfield, IN; nieces, Diana (Jim) Woodard, Carol Vogel, Jeanette (John) Ayres; Margaret (Rick) Johnston-Lindberg; nephew, Ray Vogel; numerous great-nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews; dear family friends; and loving neighbors.
Rena was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Anthony, in 2001; and sister, Edith, in 2007.
Viewing will be at Bauer Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2011. The funeral service will be at 12:00 noon, January 22, 2011 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 25th and Lombard in Everett.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church; or Providence Hospice of Snohomish Country.