1932 – 2025

RENA RUTH LOEWEN (née Slinn), of Lethbridge, beloved wife of 67 years to the late Arthur Loewen, passed away in Lethbridge on Thursday, March 20th, 2025, at the age of 92 years.

Rena was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on December 28, 1932, the youngest of 11 children of Samuel Skinner and Olivia Hanson (Carter) Slinn. Rena was predeceased by her parents and her siblings.

Rena would agree that she had a happy childhood, filled with tagging along after her older brothers and sisters, playing ball, doing gymnastics, running, fostering her love of reading, and going to community dances. She enjoyed being an ‘only child’ throughout the week during her elementary years as she accompanied her mother who taught in small schools outside Regina, returning to the city on the weekends.

Rena was an excellent student, graduating from high school at age 16. She attended normal school and began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in Pibroch, Saskatchewan at 17 years old. She taught there for three years until Rena and good friend Connie moved west to Vauxhall, Alberta. A year later, in August 1955, Rena met the new vice principal named Arthur Loewen. It was love at first sight. By Christmas that year they were engaged and then married on July 14, 1956.
Rena and Art proceeded to grow their family, meeting Rena’s goal of having four children by the time she was 30 years old. Rena loved teaching and being a mother because “children are just so interesting!”

Rena loved nature, pointing out wildflowers and identifying birds by their song during family walks. She did an enormous amount of canning, freezing vegetables, and baking for her growing family. She was known to be a gracious hostess and enjoyed participating in church life, growing flowers and vegetables, doing cross stitch, watching baseball and curling as well as reading. Even once her eyesight failed her, Rena continued to enjoy audiobooks on her iPad.

Rena had a deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ in whom she now rests.

Rena is survived by her beloved children: Brenda Firth (Ron), Pam Loewen (Bob), Craig Loewen (Sharon), and Teresa Loewen.

She will also be dearly missed by her six grandchildren: Kiel Firth (Dimpy), Katie van der Meer (Cody), Joshua Firth (Jessica), Samuel Loewen, Kara Loewen (Elysa), and Timothy Loewen (Cecelia), and her six great-grandchildren: Connor, Mason, Gracyn, Brinley, Layla, and Brittyn, all of whom brought her great joy.

A Memorial Service will be held at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Dr. Bruce Martin and Rev. Mark Archibald officiating. Those attending the Memorial Service are invited and encouraged to wear brightly coloured clothing in honour of Rena’s love of springtime flowers.

The Memorial Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Rena’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

In memory of Rena, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca) or a charity of their choice.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2025-03-20
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta