Elnora Renken

Elnora Lorraine Renken Elnora L. Renken, 91, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2019, at Arden Valley Home Care. Elnora was born March 12, 1928, in LeMars Iowa, Plymouth County, the daughter of John Henry and Louise Christine Lubben. Throughout her married life, she was dedicated to her family, including her husband, Herbert C. Renken, of 69 years and her four daughters. She had many roles in life. She was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother “Nana”, aunt and friend. A support system and confidant to many, she had the gift of listening and an even better capacity to guide loved ones with advice when needed. So, it comes as no surprise that above all, she was an educator. Through her passion of teaching, she was in her glory helping and guiding others. Her abilities to give were endless; whether it was traditional teaching in school through literature and arithmetic, or anecdotal education by helping others learn to sew or bake, it was always clear that giving her time and love through education brought her and those around her great joy. She and “Herb” moved to California in 1956 and raised their four daughters in Anaheim, California. They were active and giving to their community. They were members of Grace Lutheran Church until they retired to Glendale, Arizona in 1992. Elnora spent her whole life building work that she would never see finished and made great sacrifices without expecting credit. The passion of her building was fueled by her faith. She knew that the eyes of God saw everything even though we didn’t see it at the time. Now, we marvel not only at what she built, but at the beauty that was added to the family because of her. She continues to live on through her kids and grandkids. She is survived by and remembered fondly by daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Bruce Urban, Cynthia and Richard Carriker, Connie and Robert Donohue and Teri and Greg Burdick. Grandchildren (12), Matt Beehler and Jodi Teller, Chris and Jayne Beehler, Kristen Carriker and Adam Croce, Brenden Carriker and Nathan Sinclair, Caitlin Carriker, Kelly Donohue, Bob Donohue, Sean and Emma Donohue, Kevin Donohue and Sheridan Taylor, Renae and Jason Conner, Scott Burdick and Clay Gillian and Kyle Burdick. Great grandchildren (7) Emily Beehler, Tyler Beehler, Riley Croce, Easton Carriker, Taylor Gentry, Conor Gentry, Brady Conner. Sisters-in-law Fran Renken, Ramona and husband Bob Lang, Barbara Renken, Darleen Renken, Beverly Renken, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Louise Lubben, two brothers Marvin and Melvin Lubben and sister Lucella DeYoung. Services and burial will be on Monday September 23, 2019 at 11:00am. Arrowhead Memorial Gardens: 7545 W. Rose Garden Lane, Glendale, AZ 85308. Thank you to East Valley Hospice for your continued support of both Elnora and Herb Renken in the past 11 months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Wilshire Hospice: https://www.classy.org/give/161326/#!/donation/checkout East Valley Hospice: https://evhospice.com/donate