Rena Agnes Stricklen went home to be with her Lord and Savior June 18, 2018 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV.

On January 29, 1943, this world was forever changed. Rena was born to Virginia and Willie Clyde Hypes in Poe, WV. Rena was the second born child to Willie and Virginia. Her siblings were always her best friends. She was preceded in death by her eldest sister, Emogene Fertig and youngest brother, Scott Hypes. Rena is also preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Bobby Paul Stricklen. Rena is survived by siblings; Clyde (Sandie) Hypes, Peggy Hall, JoAnn (Will) Robinson, Lou (Jimmy) Williams and Phyllis (Bob) Hernon. Rena is also survived by her children; DeeDee (Reggie) Robertson, Roger (Sharon) Stricklen, JD (Joni) Stricklen.

Rena took this world by the horns. Everything she did, she went full speed ahead. She married young. At 18 she became a Mom for the first time. She always said DeeDee was her doll baby and they became very best friends. At 20, she welcomed her son Roger into the world. Just when she least expected it, at age 35, JD arrived. While her life was not always easy, it was full of love. Rena and her late husband Bob, raised these three children. She loved them more than anything in her life. Her kids made her proud, drove her crazy, made her laugh, but most importantly, they made her a Mom. She loved being a mother. She was their support system, cheerleader, therapist, comedienne, among many other things.

Rena was THE hardest working woman most will ever know. She loved to stay busy. She retired from her job as a cook for the Kanawha County Board of Education in 2000. After retirement, Rena kept herself busy by caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also cared for many of the elderly in the Frame community. A favorite hobby of hers was selling Avon, which she did for 38 years.

So many things can be said about this woman. One of the most important, is that she loved with her whole heart. She selfless, caring, motivated, energetic, funny, thoughtful and so sassy. Her love for her grandchildren: Megan (Mike) Chandler, JR (Whitney) Louden, Sam (Tonya) Miller, John Miller, Caleb (Brook) Miller, Tristan Stricklen, Dakota Stricklen and great grandchildren: Lilly and Reed Chandler, Hudson Louden, Gage Miller, Mae Adkins, Landon and Braxton Miller, Bella Haas, Andrew Rollyson, Kinley and Andrew Kingry, was immeasurable. She made us all laugh thousands of times because, well, she had no filter. She told it like it was whether you wanted to hear it or not. Every memory of her leaves us with a smile.

The family would like to thank her special friend Nancy Kennedy for always making the Hot Mess laugh and holding her hand through the toughest of times. Carol Cadle and Vicki Lynn-Holbein—-thank you for being loving friends to our precious Rena for so many years. She appreciated all of you more than you know. The family would like to recognize Hubbard Hospice House for the love and care they provided to Rena during her courageous battle.

We will have a void in our hearts forever, but we are so thankful that God let us borrow this amazing woman for so many years. We will surely will miss the laughs, biscuits and gravy breakfasts, the smell of a menthol cigarette and instant coffee, yardsales, endless episodes of Judge Judy, George Jones and gospel songs being played on the CD player, your love of ice cream, and your hugs and kisses.
Mom, Mawmaw, Agnes, Hot Mess-You are forever loved.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm, Thursday, June 21, at Hafer Funeral Home in Elkview, with Pastor Lee Swor officiating. Burial will follow at Stricklen Family Cemetery in Frame.

Friends may call from 12pm until 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Online Condolences can be made at www.haferfuneralhome.net

Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Rd. of Elkview, is assisting the Stricklen family.

If we could visit heaven
Even for a day,
Maybe for a moment,
the pain would go away,

I’d put my arms around you,
and whisper words so true,
that loving life without you,
is the hardest thing to do.

No matter how we spend our days,
no matter what we do,
No morning dawns or evening falls,
When we don’t think of you.