Rena Ridenour

Rena Mable Ridenour was born on May 15, 1932 in Puxico, Missouri, to her namesake, Rena Mable Hicks. Her mother passed away far too soon, so she was raised in a loving extended family that included her grandparents, Joe and Cora Hicks, aunt and uncle, Edna and Odus Cookson, and cousins, J. T., Ancel, Carroll, and Ronnie, to whom she was " Sis." After graduating from high school in 1950, the little country girl bravely set off for nursing school in St. Louis at Missouri Baptist Hospital. There, Mable met her best friend for life, Gennie Heath Lee. Their lifelong connection grew even stronger when they married best friends, shortly before graduation in 1953. Mable's marriage of 50 years to Quinton Ridenour was one of deep commitment and loving dedication to their three children, Jeff, Cliff, and Julie. They worked hard to provide for their family, whom they raised in the home they built in 1960 in Fenton, Missouri, while still always managing to stay involved in the activities they enjoyed, and closely connected with the family and friends. They also traveled at every opportunity, including extensively throughout the U.S. in later years with their close friends, Frank and Kay Reichert. Quinton, who once said that he loved her more than anything in life, preceded Mable in death in 2003. The depth of their bond was made even clearer during the final months of his life, especially as they sat together on their patio, at home they created together, drinking coffee, and enjoying the flowers and wildlife that surrounded them. While known professionally as "Rena", Mable had an amazing career of 50 years in nursing. After several years in direct care and supervisory roles, she earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degree, and embarked on a long tenure as an instructor at her Alma Mater, Missouri Baptist Hospital's School of Nursing. Even in semi-retirement, she continued to help run the hospital's highly respected grief support program for many years. Mable continued to enjoy her passions in life in retirement, especially her cherished grandchildren, Jeremy, Jason, and Jessica, and tending to her flowers, birds, squirrels, and deer. She seized every chance to travel, embraced the wonderful fellowship of her church community, remained closely connected with others, and nurtured her deep appreciation for the many wonderful small things in life. After a final eight months of serious health challenges, Mable's life journey ended on August 21, 2014, at one of her favorite places, her son Cliff's home in San Diego, California, with family at her bedside. She can now finally rest in the arms of her mother, who never had a chance in life to hold her. Mable is survived by her beloved children, grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Debbie, and son-in-law, Tom. She also leaves behind her dear cousins, Carroll and Ronnie, best friend, Gennie, brother-in-law, Norman Ridenour, and many other cherished nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends, as well as all of those whom she helped through their own healing, learning, and grieving processes.

Rena Ridenour

May 15, 1932 - August 21, 2014