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Obituary for Rena Louise Lester
Rena Louise Lester of Littleton, Colorado passed away peacefully on September 15th at the age of 99. She was a dearly loved mother, grandmother, and friend. Rena loved her family and friends deeply, enjoyed traveling throughout the country, and had a contagious positive outlook on life. Those close to her would describe her as strong, resilient, funny, and caring.
Rena was born in West Lebanon, Indiana on April 27th, 1919 to Charles Albert Mathis and Anna Amanda Mathis. She was the youngest in her family and had four older siblings—Thelma, Eva, Sam, and Winfield. During her childhood, she enjoyed playing music with her family and excelled at math in school.
After graduating from West Lebanon High School is 1937 Rena went on to attend Business school in Danville, Illinois and became a bookkeeper for W. W. Crane. After moving to Mishawaka, Indiana with her family in the mid-1950s she became staff statistician for Wheelabrator. She worked at Wheelabrator for nearly 25 years, retiring in 1980.
She met her husband Charles William Lester, Jr. in Ridge Farm, Illinois at a gas station when she was just 19 years old. They married in 1940 and had four children—Ronald, Bonnie, Christy, and David.
During her time in Mishawaka Rena was part of various social clubs and volunteer organizations. She was a member of the Julianna Club at work and held a board seat. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
After retiring Rena and Charles were part of the Wally Byam Caravan Club, the largest airstream trailers and travelers’ organization. They later settled in a community in Dade City, Florida where they became avid golfers and enjoyed the sunshine.
Rena was very involved and a major part of her grandchildren’s lives. She spent time in Indiana and Colorado throughout the years to see her grandchildren grow up. All of her grandchildren have cherished memories of these years.
While living in Littleton, Colorado Rena joined the Red Hat Club and a Canasta Club. She enjoyed social outings with friends and playing card games. In the last couple of years Rena was able to take summer road trips with her family to see new parts of the country and spend time with loved ones.
Rena is preceded in death by her husband Charles Lester Jr., son Ronald Lester, and daughter Bonnie Kuhns. She is survived by her daughter Christy Halley, son David Lester and his wife Karen, daughter-in-law Jill Lester, son-in-law Carlyle Kuhns, 9 grandchildren and their spouses, and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many extended family members and close friends.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, September 29th form 11:00AM – 12:00PM at Ellis Family Services, a reception will follow the service at The Peak Community & Wellness Center from 12:00PM – 2:30PM.
A graveside service will take place in Ridge Farm, Illinois on what would have been Rena’s 100th birthday—April 27, 2019.
Donations in honor of Rena Lester may be made to The Salvation Army or Wounded Warriors Project.
