Friday, February 3rd, 1928 - Tuesday, December 7th, 2021
Arlene Marie (Renken) Ediger was born February 3, 1928 in Enid, Oklahoma and graduated to heaven on December 7, 2021. She joined her husband, Henry, who went to heaven on May 11, 2004. Her parents were Henry (Hank) Renken and Vera (Lowery) Renken, who predeceased her.
During her senior year of high school, Arlene transferred from Enid High to Kremlin High School due to fire damage at EHS. Her friend at Kremlin High, Leora Rempel (Thesman), invited Arlene to a youth meeting at the Enid Mennonite Brethren Church. Arlene asked Jesus to come into her heart and make her a true believer. She was baptized and became a member of the Enid MB Church. In her later years, she attended Cornerstone E-Free Church. It was her faith that strengthened her throughout life. During her final years, Arlene continued to read her Bible, over and over. Even when her cognitive skills declined, this habit of a lifetime was cemented into her soul.
Arlene and Henry married on October 18, 1949, and established their home in Enid, Oklahoma. They raised their three children on a farm west of Enid, supported their church and made many friends throughout their 56-year marriage.
During WWII, Arlene trained as an Army Corps Nurse at the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent in Wichita, KS. The bulk of her training was then completed at St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid. The war ended before Arlene saw any active duty. As a registered nurse, Arlene served on the frontlines at the old General Hospital (Integris), the Enid Memorial Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and The Commons, then later as office nurse for Dr. John McIntyre. After retirement, she volunteered at Our Daily Bread, the Enid Community Clinic and The Commons. Arlene loved to read and taught her children to love reading. Weekly visits to the library were a staple in their home.
Arlene is survived by her children: Rebecca Thesman (Olathe, KS), former spouse Bob Thesman (Overland Park, KS), their son Caleb Thesman and his wife Sarah (Overland Park, KS), Kris Ediger (Enid, OK), Phil Ediger and his wife Janie (Enid, OK), their children Anne Anderson (Enid, OK), Rachel Brintnall and her husband Grant (Wichita, KS) and Ethan Ediger and his wife Hanna (Clearwater, KS). Great grandchildren include Trinity Anderson, Ainsley Anderson, Judah Brintnall and Mason Ediger. Another great granddaughter is due in April, 2022. Other survivors include her brother Bruce Renken (Oklahoma City, OK) and sisters Jeanette Renken (Las Vegas, NV), Judy Allen (Las Vegas, NV) and multiple nieces and nephews. Four grandchildren in utero also pre-deceased Arlene as well as her brother, Marvin Renken (Oklahoma City, OK).
The Celebration of Life service will be 1:00 pm Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Ladusau-Evans Chapel with Pastor Al McVety officiating. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 7:00 pm Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be to Our Daily Bread with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodians of the funds.
The family sends a special thank you to the staff at The Commons and Hospice Circle of Love, Dr. Daniel Washburn and Dr. Joseph Knapik.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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