Rena L. Girbach

Age 100, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2014 at the Saline Evangelical Home. She was born August 16, 1914, the daughter of James and Alice (Oliver) Walker. Rena is survived by her children: Arnold (Fran) Girbach and Gail Girbach Stoll, as well as eleven grandchildren: Kathy (Bruce) Harter, Kevin Girbach, Kimberly (Art) Schrade, Kelly (Tom) Ekovich, Kerri (Derek) Blakeney, Marcus (Valisa) Bristle, Ross Girbach, Wayne Girbach, Shawn (Scott) Vickers, Nathan (Heather) Stoll, Adam (Sara) Stoll, thirteen great-grandchildren, son-in-law, Stephen Bristle, daughter-in-law, Joan Girbach and countless nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Simon Girbach, grandchild, David Stoll (1992) and children Duane Girbach, (2008) Karen (Girbach) Bristle (2013). Rena was the last remaining member of the James and Alice Walker Family being preceded in death by her mother and father, as well as brothers and sisters, Clyde Walker Widmayer (1921-1997), Norma Walker Needbling Gubachy (1915-2009), Edward Walker (1901-1980), Myrtle Walker Kemner (1910-1970), Florence Walker Widmayer (1900-1955), Noel Walker (1912-1968), James Walker (1908-1981), Robert Walker (1903-1978), Starr Walker (1919-1987), Oliver Walker (1906-1992), James Walker (1905-1905). Rena was a long-term servant and volunteer as a leader of the Learn and Save 4-H club, worked in the gift shop of the Ypsi State Hospital and Saline Hospital plus Board Member of Saline Hospital for thirty years. As a member of the 4-H Service Club she was in charge of the 4-H kitchen during the fair for 30 years, plus in charge of the block building as member of the Saline Fair Board. She was also Freedom Township Clerk, active within the Pittsfield Grange, Saline Farm Council Grounds, St. John’s Lutheran Church; and was a member of Farm Bureau, the local and district Extension group, the Saline Woman’s Club, and Saline Senior Council. She was awarded the Saline Senior Citizen Award. Rena regarded her role in helping to establish the Mill Pond Manor apartments as her greatest accomplishment. The groups she belonged to and offices held are too numerous to list. She gave her time and talents to enrich the lives of many, both young and old. Many recall learning how to cook and sew at the farm on Pleasant Lake Road before moving to Saline and Brecon Village. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10). A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 8805 Austin Road, Bridgewater, MI. with Rev. David St. Clair, officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home of Saline on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at the Church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 11:00 A.M. Donations can be made in her memory to the Washtenaw County 4-H Advisory Council or St John’s Lutheran Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church. To sign Rena’s guestbook, to leave a memory, or for more information or directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

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Rena L. Girbach

August 16, 1914 - November 14, 2014