Ragena Lynn Harnden, aged 66, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 6, 2024. Gena was born to Violet (Vi) Melton and Ruben Eichman, Jr. on March 24, 1957, in Shawnee, OK. She and her five siblings were raised in Liberal, KS. Gena graduated from Liberal High School in 1975. Gena’s career spanned 40 years spent almost exclusively at El-Kan Drug. After retiring in 2013, she would spend her last 10 years in her beloved Oklahoma City area.
On April 16, 1977, she married the love of her life and soulmate, Rick Harnden. Together they had two beautiful children, (son) Ryan Harnden and (daughter) René (Harnden) Obholz. Gena was a wonderful cook who enjoyed entertaining friends and family at her home – many wonderful memories were made at her dining room table. She loved spending time with her four precious grandchildren. Gena (or Grannie as they knew her) had an amazing ability to connect with each grandchild through their unique personalities and interests. Even as cancer overtook her body, Grannie made it to every play, recital, soccer game and school event. Emmie, Jaidey, Bay Bay, and Sissy – Grannie’s love for you will endure forever. Grannie also had a very special bond with her six granddogs: Hurley, Hendrix, Mogley, Dasher, Ollie, and Colt. Gena’s allergy to dog fur was no match for the immense love she felt for her grandpuppies.
She is survived by her husband, Rick; children Ryan (wife Yvonne) and René (husband Johnny); granddaughters Emmie Harnden, Jaide Hightower, Baylor Hightower, and Jensyn Obholz; step-father Don Melton; father-in-law Hugh Harnden; six siblings Ray Eichman (wife Rhonda), Richard Eichman (wife Lorraine), Becky Todd (husband John), Shelly Moss (husband Les), and Ruben Eichman (wife Angela); brother-in-law Ron Harnden (wife Pam); cousins Julie Gideon and LaGene Mitchell (wife Lori); as well as numerous friends, nieces, nephews, and their spouses and children who she adored.She is preceded in death by her father Ruben Eichman, Jr.; mother Violet (Gideon) Melton; and her granddog Hendrix (Hennie).
Viewing will be at Yanda & Son Funeral Home on Sunday, February 11, 2024, from 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in El Reno, OK, on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 10:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, Gena respectfully requests that donations be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church c/o Gena Harnden Memorial, 500 S. Country Club Rd., El Reno, OK, 73036.