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Preventing Family Feuds Over Your Personal Belongings

The passing of a loved one is a heartbreaking event, filled with grief and sorrow. However, the aftermath can become even more painful if disagreements over their personal belongings tear your family apart. These disputes, primarily when centered around meaningful objects, can leave lasting wounds that may never fully heal.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. By understanding the emotional weight of possessions, the power of perception and taking proactive steps, you can prevent such heartache and foster a more harmonious grieving process for your family. We’ll explore practical strategies to ensure your final wishes are honored, and your loved ones stay united amidst loss.

Perception Is the Basis for Conflict

Your personal belongings are so much more than just material objects. They are tangible reminders of your life, personality, and connection to the people you hold dear. These items can provide immense comfort and solace for your grieving family when you’re gone. However, the emotional ties to your possessions can also set the stage for conflict.

Your family members may have very different ideas about the value and significance of your possessions and how your possessions should be distributed. Emotional attachments to personal property often run deeper than anyone realizes, reflecting unresolved feelings of love, guilt, or regret. These differences in perspective can create tension and resentment and even damage relationships that have lasted a lifetime.

The Value of Open Communication and Thoughtful Planning

To minimize the risk of family feuds over your personal property, one of the most effective things you can do is have open and honest conversations about expectations and preferences long before you’re gone. Here are some strategies to consider:

Start the Conversation Early. While it may feel awkward to discuss such sensitive topics, it’s far better to address them proactively. This allows for a more thoughtful and deliberate discussion of everyone’s wishes. Ideally, these conversations should occur when all parties are calm and emotionally prepared rather than amid grief.

Record Yourself. Don’t underestimate the value of getting on video. Recording yourself explaining your wishes and why can be very powerful, as well as provide clarity and decrease conflict for your loved ones. When you create your estate plan with my firm, we include a Life & Legacy Interview with every plan so that your decisions and their reasons are clear to your family. When there’s no ambiguity, the possibility of conflict lessens.

Make an Inventory. Make a comprehensive list of all your personal belongings, including their sentimental value and any specific requests or wishes you have associated with them. This inventory can be a crucial reference point for your family members after you’re gone. If possible, involve your loved ones in this process so that they understand your wishes and can ensure your voice is heard.

Create a Life and Legacy Plan. A Life and Legacy Plan can minimize disputes by clearly outlining your wishes regarding distributing your personal property. In addition to the Life & Legacy Interview, every plan includes a “personal property memorandum,” which provides additional clarity, specifying which items should go to which beneficiaries. We even help you update your plan to reflect changing circumstances or preferences and prevent family conflict.

Focus on Your Family’s Needs. Ultimately, the goal of your planning should be to honor your memory and support the well-being of your loved ones. Prioritize the needs of grieving people and try to find solutions that minimize conflict and pain. Sometimes, creating a process where each family member can express their attachment to specific items and why they matter can help others understand their emotional value rather than just their monetary worth.

Helping Your Family Sell Your Belongings with Care and Intention

Sometimes, your loved ones may need to sell your personal property, which may be necessary to settle your estate, pay debts, or ensure that your items are put to good use. Whether or not the items sold hold sentimental value, this can be another task ripe with conflict. Further, many family members don’t know what the process entails. But you can help make it easier for them by doing a lot of legwork now.

In your Life & Legacy Plan, you can specify how you want your items sold and outline the process for your loved ones. Here are the steps your family will need to take:

Assess the True Value of Your Items. Start by evaluating the worth of the items to be sold. This may involve hiring an appraiser, especially for valuable items such as antiques, artwork, or jewelry. An appraiser can objectively assess an item’s value, which can help prevent disputes over perceived worth and ensure a fair sale.

Choose the Right Selling Method. Depending on the type and value of your belongings, your loved ones must choose a selling method. A yard sale or estate sale might be appropriate for everyday household items. An auction house, consignment shop, or online marketplace may be the way to go for more valuable items. Your family should also be mindful of any fees or commissions associated with these approaches.

Enlist the Help of an Estate Sale Company. Hiring a professional estate sales company can be a game-changer if your estate contains many items or your family is overwhelmed by the process. These companies handle everything from pricing items to advertising the sale, managing the event, and disposing of unsold items. They typically charge a percentage of the sales, but their expertise can make the process smoother and less stressful.

Understand the Legal Requirements. Depending on your jurisdiction, specific legal requirements for selling estate property may exist. For example, an executor may need court approval to sell certain assets or follow particular procedures for notifying beneficiaries. When you create your Life & Legacy Plan with us, we will be there for your family when you no longer can be, and we can advise them on all the necessary legal requirements.

Plan for the Proceeds. Decide how the sale proceeds will be used and document your wishes in your Life & Legacy Plan. We can help you specify whether they will be distributed among your heirs, used to pay off estate debts, or donated to charity.

Leave a Legacy of Harmony, Not Conflict

Your loved ones deserve to grieve with dignity and respect, not embroiled in bitter disputes. Take the time now to put the proper measures in place, and you can rest assured that your final wishes will be honored and your family will stay out of court and conflict after you’re gone.

This is the legacy you can leave behind – not just the material objects you’ve accumulated over a lifetime, but the gift of harmony, understanding, and compassion for those you hold most dear.

Family disputes over personal property can cause significant pain and tension at a time when loved ones should come together. We help you create a Life & Legacy Plan that ensures your belongings are distributed according to your wishes without conflict or confusion. With careful thought, clear communication, and the right tools, your Life & Legacy Plan will unite your family, even amid grief. And you’ll gain the peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be honored and your loved ones will be supported long after you’re gone.

Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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Washougal School Board Approves Purchase of Land For Future School Site 

Washougal, WA — At their October 22, 2024 board meeting, the Washougal School District Board of Directors approved the purchase of a parcel of land to be used as a future school site. The property purchase will use $1,025,000 in funds, based on an appraisal, collected through impact fees on development in the community.

The parcel, located south of SE 20th Street near 340th Avenue, will not be immediately developed.  

“Purchasing the land now allows the district secure a school site that may not be available when it will be needed in the future, when the population of Washougal is expected to be higher,” said Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen.   

Board President Sadie McKenzie said, “this is a beautiful part of the district, and securing the 31 acres of land now lets us be ready for future growth in the community. Board members have visited the site and concluded it will serve the district well in the future when we need it.”

Board member Jim Cooper stated that the land purchase shows that, “the board is looking out decades, not for what we need next year.” 

Hansen noted that, “the current option agreement expires at the end of December, so it is time for the district to make this purchase. Purchasing the land at this time lets the district use the impact fee resources that are available now and restricted only for this type of use. This will allow the district to purchase the property while it is available and before the cost of the land goes up even further, which we have seen happen with other property.”

The land acquisition is planned for in the district’s current long range Capital Facilities Plan, but there is no plan to develop a school on this site during the current 6-year plan period. Development of the site will be addressed in future plans.

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Camas City Council Member Lewallen Supports Stuebe for State House

Those of us who work, live and serve in the community know David Stuebe, his results, and his love of service. David puts community first—always has, and always will. He will fight for our community. His opponent, on the other hand, is fighting for a position—not community. She has no other proven track record other than delivering previous losses and divisive rhetoric. David puts people over politics. Please vote David Stuebe for Washington’s Legislative District 17, Position 2.

Note: This a personal endorsement, not a reflection of the City of Camas.

Sincerely,

Leslie Lewallen

Camas City Council Member

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Camas-Washougal Community Chest Solicits 2025 Grant Applications

Continuing their 78 years of support to the community, the Camas-Washougal Community Chest is soliciting 2025 grant applications from non-profit 501 (c) (3) organizations serving the Camas and Washougal area. Grant applications must be received or postmarked no later than December 15, 2024. Grant awards will be announced in March 2025. Initial payments will be made at the time of the award.

Larger grants will be funded in 2 to 4 installments, with final payments made in November 2025.

On October 1, 2024, the CWCC launched its Campaign 25 and hopes to raise at least $126,000 to fund grants during 2025. The Camas Washougal Rotary Foundation, in partnership with CWCC, is considering funding additional grants.

The Camas Lions Foundation has committed to fund at least $1,000 toward 2025 grants. The Camas-Washougal Community Chest has supported local non-profit organizations since 1946. The Community Chest relies on contributions from individuals and businesses and makes productive use of those funds by being a 100% volunteer organization. This means that more than 97% of the donated funds goes directly back to our community. CWCC urges Camas and Washougal residents and businesses to donate now to help fund 2025 grants. Donation information is available at: http://www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org.

In addition to being a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, grant applicants must demonstrate that their project or program benefits residents of Camas and Washougal and meets one or more of the following needs:

  • Education
  • Youth activities
  • Aid to people with special needs
  • Natural resource conservation
  • Health and welfare programs
  • Crisis and emergency services
  • Other similar charitable or civic objectives

Grant applications and detailed instructions for applying are available on-line at the website listed above. For further information please contact Camas-Washougal Community Chest Board President Dave Pinkernell at info@CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org.

During 2024, CWCC, the Camas Washougal Rotary Foundation and the Camas Lions Foundation awarded 34 grants totaling $134,000 and delivering an estimated 40,000 individual services to local people. The 2024grantees included such diverse non-profit organizations as the Inter-Faith Treasure House, Akin (East County Family Resource Center in Washougal), Family Promise of Clark County, Washougal Songcraft Festival, JD Currie Youth Camp, and Janus Youth Programs. Projects and programs included such diverse activities as emergency rent and utility assistance, purchase of food and service supplies for local emergency food programs, helping homeless families find permanent shelter, restore a youth camp’s outhouse, sampling water quality in Lacamas, Round and Fallen Leaf lakes, and help to support at risk 9- to 17-year-old runaway children.

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Matthew Perry’s Estate Plan Demonstrates the Benefits of Trusts

When Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends, passed away last year, the world mourned the loss of a comedic icon. However, as details of his estate began to emerge, a curious puzzle presented itself: despite his reported net worth of $120 million, his bank account held (only) $1.5 million. Admittedly, this seems like a whopping sum to most of us, but this amount appears off for a man who earned millions of dollars for just one episode of the show. Shouldn’t he have had much more money than that? The answer lies in the details of estate planning and using trusts as part of your plan.

In this article, we’ll look at Perry’s estate plan and pull out some valuable lessons. These lessons pertain to all of us, not just the rich and famous. To find out how trusts can benefit you, read on.

What is a Trust?

A trust is simply a legal arrangement where a person (sometimes called a “settlor”) transfers assets to someone ( a “trustee”) who manages those assets for the benefit of someone else (the “beneficiaries”). Many types of trusts can be used for various purposes, including estate planning, asset protection, and providing for loved ones.

The trustees appointed to manage a trust play a crucial role in fulfilling the settlor’s wishes. Choosing the right trustees is essential for the effective management of a trust. Trustees should be trustworthy, financially responsible, and knowledgeable about estate planning. They should also be willing to devote the time and effort required to manage the trust’s assets.

In Perry’s case, it appears he established a trust during his lifetime. This trust, which seems to be named the Alvy Singer Living Trust—Woody Allen’s character in Annie Hall—presumably holds a significant portion of his wealth. In Perry’s case, the trustees were likely responsible for managing his investments, paying bills, and distributing money to the beneficiaries.

Why would Perry have chosen to establish a trust? There are many benefits, which I’ll break down in greater detail now.

The Power and Benefits of Trusts

There are many advantages to using a trust for estate planning. Here are some of the most common.

Protection from creditors and lawsuits. If a beneficiary faced financial difficulties, their creditors would generally not have access to assets held in a trust.

Ongoing support during life, incapacity, and after death. Trusts can provide for loved ones more flexibly than a will. A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. However, a trust can be structured to provide support during your life and for your beneficiaries over time, ensuring their needs are met. If you have a will, your assets will usually be transferred to your beneficiaries – even if they are young or financially irresponsible.

Minimization of estate taxes. Depending on the size of an estate, there may be significant federal and state estate taxes. A trust can reduce or eliminate these taxes.

Court avoidance. A court process called probate takes place after someone dies, and it can be expensive, lengthy, and conflict-laden. If you have a will or no estate plan, court is mandatory. However, the court process may be avoided if you have a trust. This results in less expense, less time, and a decreased probability of conflict. It’s also a public proceeding, and court filings contain personal and financial information you may not want others to see.

Conflict avoidance. The court process is set up to give all heirs and creditors a claim to your assets. They are invited to file a claim and get to see information about your assets.

Greater control over what happens to your assets and your family. When you have to go to court, someone other than you – a judge who’s a stranger to you and your family – will make all final decisions about your money, property, and family. But with a trust, you can make those decisions and exercise control over the outcomes.

Preserving assets when there’s a substance abuse issue. It’s no secret that Perry struggled with substance abuse for much of his life, and it’s possible that because of that, he was advised to create a trust to hold his assets. This was a wise decision. Substance abuse can have a significant impact on financial stability, and it is possible that Perry sought to protect his assets from loss, either by his actions or potential creditors and legal issues related to his addiction. You can do the same for a friend or relative if you want to support them and know they struggle to manage their finances responsibly.

These advantages apply to you, too! You do not need to be wealthy to want a trust. You do not have to be charitable or famous to take advantage of the benefits.

The Appeal of Privacy

Remember when I mentioned above that the court process is public? I also noted that a trust can help you and your family avoid court and its very public nature. If you were wondering, “If it’s true Matthew Perry had a trust, then how come it’s public knowledge that he had $1.5 million in his bank account?” Then kudos! You caught on to something important.

Matthew Perry also had a will, and wills go through probate. Any assets not placed into a trust must be dealt with via your will and, thus, are subject to the court process. Remember when I mentioned that court filings must contain your personal and financial information? That’s how we know about Matthew Perry’s bank account. The funds in his bank account were ostensibly not placed into his trust and are subject to the public probate process. You can look up the court records and read his will – or any will – for yourself.

His will mentioned that he had trust, which is also common. It doesn’t mention the terms of the trust, who the beneficiaries are, what his other assets are, and who gets what. Our public knowledge is limited to what’s in his will. And if his bank account had been placed into his trust, it would have been kept private, too.

In short, assets placed into a trust are kept private, as is your personal and financial information. Assets left out of a trust are public knowledge. So, when you create a trust, you mustn’t just draft and sign the document and call it a day. You must take the next step and correctly place your assets into the trust. If you don’t do that, you lose all the benefits the trust offers.

How We Help You Protect What Matters Most

As more details about Perry’s estate emerge (and sadly, his death), we may better understand his intentions and the legacy he will leave behind. While his untimely passing is a tragic loss, his estate planning offers a fascinating look at the advantages of trusts and how you can also take advantage of them.

We help you create a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that may include tools like trusts to protect your assets, maintain your privacy, and ensure your loved ones are cared for—without the headaches of court or the increased chances of conflict. By planning today, you can have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored, your family’s future will be safeguarded, and your legacy will be kept private.

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more. Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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Our Camas 2045 Community Summit #2 Scheduled for Oct. 22

Camas, WA – City of Camas officials are encouraging residents to join their friends and neighbors for the Our Camas 2045 Community Summit #2.

The Summit will take place Oct. 22, from 4:30-6:30 pm, at the Camas-Washougal Fire Department Station 42 (4321 NW Parker Street).

This is a key opportunity to participate in Camas’ city-wide engagement processes, Our Camas 2045 and Our Downtown Camas 2045, as we update the Comprehensive Plan and develop a Downtown Subarea Plan.

At this summit, participants will help:

  • Review and comment on the draft land use alternatives for our city.
  • Provide input on the scale of development.
  • Review and refine concepts for downtown Camas.
  • Share information about the City’s climate planning efforts and recent greenhouse gas emissions inventory.

These activities build on the community visioning process and are essential in shaping a land use alternative that aligns with Camas’s unique needs. The goal is to create a plan that balances housing, parks, open spaces, transportation, infrastructure and equitable outcomes for all.

Please join Camas city officials for a fun and informative evening to discuss the future of Camas! For more information, visit Engagecamas.com or contact Alan Peters, Community Development Director at 360-817-7254 or email apeters@cityofcamas.us

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Come Serve With Me Community Volunteer Fair 2024 Coming Nov. 2

Vancouver, WA — Now in its second year, community volunteer fair “Come Serve With Me” invites members of the Clark County, Washington community to enjoy an evening full of fun and connection, with the opportunity to learn more about nonprofits who are making our community a better place. 

Due to the huge turnout at 2023’s inaugural event, the 2024 event will be held on November 2, 2024 at a new, larger location: Seton Catholic High School in Vancouver. At the event, a variety of nonprofit organizations will be on hand to share about their work and their volunteer needs. In turn, individuals and families can meet representatives from these nonprofits to determine which organizations might be a good fit for them to contribute their time or resources to. The family-friendly event will also include raffle prizes, face painting, balloon animals and other fun activities for participants. The purpose of the event is to both support and amplify the missions of local nonprofits while showing community members where they are most needed and what opportunities are available. Organizers hope meaningful relationships will form, and efforts to help people in need will increase.

“I have found that people want to volunteer but don’t know where to start,” says Becky Harrington, Communications Director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Vancouver West Stake, who is organizing the event along with a team of dedicated volunteers. “The feeling of optimism at last year’s event and others like it is something our community is craving.”

Come Serve With Me is co-sponsored by JustServe and Good Works Clark County, both of which operate under the umbrella of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Go here to learn more about this year’s Come Serve With Me event, including participating nonprofits.

What: Come Serve With Me Volunteer Fair 2024

Where: Seton Catholic High School, 9000 NE 64th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98665

When: Saturday, November 2, 2024, 5:30-8:30 pm

Who: Free and open to the public

More Information: https://sites.google.com/view/comeservewithme/home

About JustServe: JustServe.org is a website where the volunteer needs of organizations are posted, and volunteers search for opportunities to enhance the quality of life in the community.

About Good Works Clark County: Good Works Clark County is a new Facebook page dedicated to sharing good news, stories and efforts in the Southwest Washington region, including humanitarian and nonprofit work.

Serve
Serve
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PRE-ORDER NOW: Dozer Day® Book Paves the Way to Fulfilling Careers in Construction

Vancouver, WA — The Nutter Family Foundation, founded by Jerry and Renee Nutter in 2008, is a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of children. The Foundation believes when children are given the opportunity to develop their talents society thrives.

In following in her parents’ footsteps and to further the mission of Dozer Day®, Dozer Day® Paves the Way, is a children’s book authored by the Nutter’s daughter, Sammi Nutter Charlton. This fun new read reflects fundamental values that characterize Dozer Day®: learning and education, pursuing your passions, playing an active role in your community, and serving others. Accompanied by lively illustrations, readers will read along as Dozer Dan participates in the event year after year. Inspired by his childhood fascination with dozers, Dozer Dan grows up to become a volunteer and operator himself.

How will Dozer Day® inspire children to explore the construction industry and make a difference in their communities? Take part in this grand movement and help support the cause by spreading knowledge and fun through Dozer Day® Paves the Way.

Pre-order on Amazon: https://qr1.be/CMRG

Dozer Day
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Washougal Begins 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update, Seeks Public Input

Community members are invited to help shape Washougal’s future by joining the advisory committee, completing a survey, and attending upcoming events.

The City of Washougal is excited to announce the launch of the Washougal Onward Comprehensive Plan Update, an 15-month initiative to guide the city’s growth and development through 2045. Known for its charm, beautiful natural surroundings, and strong sense of community, Washougal is preparing for a future that preserves these qualities while ensuring sustainable growth.

As a gateway to outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, Washougal offers residents a unique blend of peaceful living with easy access to urban amenities. The comprehensive plan update will focus on maintaining this balance, addressing land use, middle housing development, and infrastructure needs.

Specific emphasis will be placed on housing requirements, environmental sustainability, and the integration of climate-related policies to preserve the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle that residents enjoy. The City’s capital facilities plan will also be updated to support key services such as stormwater management, water and sewer systems, transportation, parks, and recreation.

To ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of Washougal’s residents, the City is launching a robust community engagement effort. Residents, business owners, and people who are interested are invited to participate in shaping Washougal’s future through several avenues:

  1. Join the Washougal Onward Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
    The City is seeking approximately 16–20 members for the Community Advisory Committee, which will provide valuable feedback on new regulations and policies shaping Washougal’s growth. The CAC will serve as ambassadors for the community, offering diverse perspectives and representing key community groups. Interested residents, business owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to apply by submitting an interest form.
  2. Complete the Community Survey
    Every voice matters in shaping Washougal’s future! The City is asking residents to complete the community survey and share their input. Survey responses will help guide decisions in the planning process.
  3. Attend Upcoming Community Events
    The City will host several community events throughout the update process, where residents can learn more about the Comprehensive Plan, ask questions, and provide feedback. The first event, the Comprehensive Plan Carnival will take place on Nov. 16, 2024 at the Port of Camas-Washougal. Residents can stay updated on event dates by visiting the Community Event Calendar.

The Washougal Onward Comprehensive Plan Update will impact many facets of daily life in Washougal. Public input is needed to ensure the updated plan reflects the diverse needs of the community and aligns with long-term goals.

“Washougal residents have a unique opportunity to plan for the growth of our community, and it’s important that all voices are represented throughout this process,” said Mitch Kneipp, Community Development Director. “We encourage all residents to get involved and share their vision for Washougal.”

For more information about the Washougal Onward Comprehensive Plan Update and how to participate, visit the Comprehensive Plan website or onward@cityofwashougal.us.

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Community to Celebrate Life of Camas Teacher, Diana Rennie, This Saturday

Diana Sue Rennie was born on April 4, 1950 in Seattle, Washington and left us too soon on July 22, 2024. As a young girl growing up in Seattle she and her siblings enjoyed skiing at Sahalee, camping trips to Alta Lake, and time on the water at Priest Lake and Lake Washington. One of her favorite memories to share were the train trips she and her sister, Marilyn would take to see her grandparents down in Astoria, Oregon. 

Diana and her family moved to Yakima, Washington when she was young. She graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1968. She then attended Central Washington University graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. Shortly after graduating she received her first teaching job at Helen Baller Elementary in Camas, Washington in 1973. She taught 2nd grade for eleven years before moving over to Lacamas Heights. Diana taught there for thirty years before retiring in 2014. She deeply loved the children and families of the town of Camas. She served her community well beyond the classroom in various arenas including serving on Camas City Council, an active soroptimist member, and president of the Camas Education Association for years. After retiring she dedicated much of her time to the local backpack Food Program at the Treasure House and Family Resource Center, and most recently was a regular volunteer and math tutor, supporting teachers and students at Prune Hill Elementary as well as her niece’s school in Selah, Washington.  

Diana is preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn (Rennie) Bainter, and both of her parents; John Russell Rennie and Genevieve (Harmon) Rennie all of Yakima. Diana leaves behind her brother, John Rennie (Angela Rennie) and sons Averell and Nick Rennie of Yakima, as well as her niece Kate (Bainter) Mercer, husband John Mercer, and great nephews and niece; Jax, Maddox, and Madilyn Mercer all of Yakima, as well. 

What Diana loved most in her life was her family, her two cats, many friends, and all of the students she had in her impressive 41 years of teaching elementary school. Around her home you will find many old photos, cards, letters, and graduation announcements from past students, some of whom she was still in contact with. She was a truly gifted educator and left behind a wonderful legacy of kindness, patience, love, and generosity to her family, friends, and the community of Camas. After retirement, her true joy came from her bi-weekly visits to her niece Kate’s to spend time with her great niece and nephews. She could watch them for hours with sheer amusement and the smile that they brought to her face was priceless. 

We were all so fortunate to have her in our lives and she will be truly missed in our hearts. Please join us in a celebration of life for Diana Rennie on October 19, 2024 from 1-3 pm at the Joyce Garver Theater 1500 NE Garfield St, Camas. 

Rennie
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