Rena Pinson

The middle child of three girls, Rena grew up with love all around her. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1973. Shortly after, she completed an associate degree in business at Lewis-Clark State College. During this time, she worked for a local attorney. Rena married Lindsey Pinson in 1975, and together they had two daughters. They moved to the country near Juliaetta, where they raised cattle, chickens, pigs and horses for many years. Rena was involved in every aspect of small ranch life. She accepted new challenges with confidence, resulting in many new loves and talents.

Rena's joy was her family, always placing their needs above her own. She was always there for her daughters, teaching them the value of hard work and instilling in them a passion for life and an appreciation for the beauty of the world around them. She had an incredible amount of compassion, love and understanding for others.

Rena looked forward to visits with her children and young grandchildren. Her granddaughters, Skylar and Kaia, became the light of her life. Time during family visits was often spent snuggling, reading and playing for hours. Recent family trips included Seattle, exploring the Oregon Coast and camping at Wallowa Lake - a trip that her grandchildren will always remember. Just before she left us, she was planning a trip with her children to visit her father on his 90th birthday.

At the time of her passing, Rena was employed by Northwest Children's Home, where a piece of her compassion and love will remain.

Rena is survived by her father, Norman Simmons; and stepmother Marjorie Simmons; husband Lindsey Pinson; daughters Lara Pinson and Amy Pinson Dumm; son-in-law Gabe Dumm; grandchildren Skylar and Kaia; sisters Vicki Birkholz and Terri Simmons; brother David Simmons; and nephews Philip Gilstrap, Paul Gilstrap and Jesse Simmons.

Rena was preceded in death by her mother, Betty McKay.

Words cannot describe how much she will be missed.

Donations in Rena's name can be made to the Northwest Children's Home, http://northwestchildrenshome.org/.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Juliaetta Cemetery in Juliaetta. There will be a private family viewing at noon Friday at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home in Lewiston.