Rena June Marquardt was born on Sept. 27, 1928 to Truman and Leita Messenger in Athena. Her dad was employed by the Oregon Highway Department, so they moved frequently during her childhood. They eventually settled in Lexington, where Truman retired. Rena met Bill Marquardt when they were in school together in Lexington and they were married in 1947.
She was a devoted farm wife, mother, and teacher. Rena was active in the community church in Lexington, having recently been awarded with a plaque commemorating 86 years of attendance. She also was employed as a nurse’s aide at Pioneer Memorial Hospital for about 10 years.
She is survived by her sons, Rick (Charity), Phil (Beth) and Bruce (Delia); daughters, Charma Marquardt and Billee (Ira) Owen; numerous grandchildren; and a whole passel of great-grandchildren.
Rena was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; a daughter, Norita; a son, Douglas; her adopted daughter, Penny; brothers, Gerry, Carrol, Truman Jr., and Franklin; and sister, Betty Marquardt.
Funeral services will be held at the Lexington Community Bible Church on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m., with interment to follow at the Lexington Cemetery. Afterwards, a reception will be held back at the church. All are welcome to attend.
Memorial donations may be made to Pioneer Home Health and Hospice in Heppner or Nora Lam Worldwide Ministries (www.noralam.org).
Please leave your condolence messages for the family at https://www.sweeneypaytonmortuary.com/.
Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
