Rena Mae Cartwright

Rena Mae Cartwright, age 93, died Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at Stanton County Long Term Care Unit in Johnson, Kansas. She was born June 25, 1926, in Fall River, Tennessee, the daughter of Orville and Jenner “Nettie” (Plunkett) Warren.

Rena grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi. She married Morris Cartwright on August 27, 1941, in Pryor, Oklahoma. After their marriage, they resided in Claremore, Oklahoma, until 1945, moved to Richfield, Kansas, and settled in Johnson in 1948. As a cook at Johnson Grade School for 29 years, she enjoyed the children and has kept in contact with some of them to this day. In the late 1950’s, Rena and Morris started Cartwright Rentals and began to purchase homes and lots in Johnson which they turned into many rental properties. In 1976, they opened Twin-C Home Improvement Center with their son Jim. Rena was very active in the community, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Rebekah Lodge, Cosmos Club, and served on the Stanton County Museum Board.

Rena is survived by her children, Doris Van Slyke and husband David of Halstead, Kathy Cockreham and husband Walter of Wichita, Lynda Haley and husband Buddy of Claremore, Oklahoma, Jim Cartwright and wife Polly of Johnson, and Mary Buckley and husband, Randy of Garden City; foster son, Clifton Townsend and wife Linda of Kinsley; brother, Frank Harrison of Lavaca, Arkansas; sister, Ann McDonald of Claremore, Oklahoma; 22 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

Rena is preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Nettie Warren; husband, Morris in 1995; infant son, Morris Elmer Cartwright; daughter, Patricia; three siblings, Lettie Jane, James, and Faye; and granddaughter, Lisa Shawn Morrison.

A family Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at the First United Methodist Church in Johnson with Pastor Mary Courtney officiating. Friends may watch the service on Garnand Funeral Home Facebook Live and the First United Methodist Church Facebook Live. Visitation is Friday, June 12, 2020, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Johnson. Memorial contributions may be given to the Stanton County Museum in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.