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I recall getting to know Rena when working with her son, Jon, at Hope Elementary, when dropping in at Metamora where she had her art studio in a unique looking building, when she had her studio in with the Gold Nugget Pawn Shop and getting her opinion for my sister's artistic ability, and when purchasing a few of her amazing pieces of art for my mom who calls them priceless as she proudly points her many visitors toward them.

However, I really got to know Rena when she asked if I would be willing to be her book editor since she was aware of my book related to teaching. I hesitated knowing the time required but agreed and will always consider that decision to be one of the best of my life. We spent many hours in communication about her books and other topics, and I often visited with her and her husband, Don, in their home as well as with her and her artistic friends at Patchworks Art Studio on the Hope Town Square. Rena was one of the most genuine and spiritual individuals that I knew and ever will know. I sent relatives and friends to Rena's Studio to view her artwork, books, and to be lifted by her special spirit.

It was in the Gold Nugget where she met two of her many best friends, the Carsons. And it was where she formed a very close relationship with the previous owners, Alta & Bill Robb. In a conversation with Alta, she expressed how they enjoyed having Rena's art studio there and how they hated Rena moving the studio but particularly no longer having Rena in the same building. Alta and Rena discussed many subjects including their relationship and experiences with the Lord and shared joys and sorrows from their hearts, mostly joys. Alta stressed Rena's strong faith and how she stood firm in it day after day no matter what conditions surrounded her.

“Patchwork Pieces Of Life” was Rena's first book which is filled with nonfictional and interesting short stories. Within it, she shared how a pastor, Reverend Dan Mitchell, moved her to write when stating, “Do not take your book, poem, song, or masterpiece painting to your grave with you.”

Rena then wrote four more books, and she allowed me to convert two to plays. With the help of director Pete Law and amazing cast members, we did “Forgiveness” at Strawberry Fields and later “The Cowboy and the Jean Skirt” at Willow LeaVes with each show being well attended. I will always fondly remember my family helping me finalize the script for “Forgiveness” at Hope United Methodist Church with several church members giving helpful input. I always smile when thinking about Avery Tallent and Jarod Schoen singing an original rodeo song for “The Cowboy and The Jean Skirt” that we collaborated on during each performance. And I will never forget seeing Rena's radiant face each night.

“Where the Hollyhocks Live and Grow” was Rena's last book, and it is a wonderful story of how love overcomes tragedy and how a flower I didn't know, Hollyhocks, provide the key. Hollyhocks apparently can find a way to grow in about every environment, and Rena appreciated their toughness and beauty. Rena likely identified with the Hollyhock. Her life was not always easy, as evident in “In Sickness and In Health,” but was a life in which she always found inspiration through her artwork, books, and Facebook Page.

What will happen to Patchworks Art Studio on the Hope Town Square? According to her son, Darrell, and her art club, it will remain open, and Hope needs such a creative business to remain open. Like all who knew Rena, Rena's art friends are missing her greatly. But as they stated when I recently walked through the door again, Rena's special spirit and heart always will reside there and within each of them. And like Rena, they will lift you up if visiting, as well as the art projects they are developing and the finished artwork displayed on the walls.

Is it possible to still get her books? According to Sue Breeding, her publisher and friend, it is just a matter of going to Amazon and ordering. If you do not have any of her books, it seems that would be another perfect way to pay tribute to this wonderful lady. Another way is possibly doing the plays for “Forgiveness” and “The Cowboy & The Jean Skirt” which you can find the scripts toward the end of each book.

I think Rena would want me to conclude with the words from a sermon that meant so much in her life journey: “Do not take your book, poem, song, or masterpiece painting to the grave with you.”