Rena M Bellinger, 96, of Reed City and formerly of Kalkaska, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Jul 19, 2006, at home.
Born on Dec 12, 1909, in Kalkaska County, she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Katie (Green) Byers.
Rena married Orrin "Jack" Bellinger on Mar 18, 1932. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; parents; brothers, Bruce, Bill, and Glen Byers; and sisters, Rhoda and Leona Byers.
Surviving Rena are her children, David (Mary) Bellinger, Donald (Peggy) Bellinger, both of Kalkaska, and Mary (Patrick) Bigelow of Reed City; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; sister, Pauline Way of Medford, OR; many nieces and nephews; special companions, Ozzie and Major; caregiver, Sylvia Kornoelje; and many friends from Hospice.
Rena graduated from Kalkaska Public Schools in 1927, which was the largest class at that time, of 27. She attended Ferris College and graduated from Central Michigan University where she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Rena was president of The Department of Classroom Teachers over five counties, was voted "Teacher of the Year" for Kalkaska and Antrim County (MEA) in 1967, and was honored by the faculty and administration. She was instrumental in teachers getting tenure in Kalkaska County.
Rena retired from Kalkaska Public Schools in 1972 after teaching for 34 years and three generations of students.
Rena worked in the organizing the Kalkaska Historical Society and served as president. She also helped in establishing the Kalkaska County Museum.
Rena was an avid reader and loved her newspaper and working crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed bird watching.
Visitation was held on Fri, Jul 21, from 2 to 4 pm; and 6 to 9 pm at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home in Kalkaska. The funeral service was on Sat, Jul 22, at 11 am at the funeral home, with Rev Ted Turanski officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.
