Renn Dee Abrams Obituary (1950

August 5, 1950 - March 24, 2013 Shaw & Sons Funeral Directors YAKIMA - Born to Robert and Jerrie Wallingford in Yakima, WA. August 5, 1950, Renn joined older sister Robin - thus the reign of "The Bird Sisters" began. Mom attended West Valley Schools and began many lifelong friendships there. She had her son, Scott on May 4, 1968. What amazing joy this boy brought to her. Daughter Jodi followed on February 22, 1973 and her baby Michael on September 16, 1977. Mom had an incredible work ethic. She worked for a number of years at Tree Top and made many friends there. She left to pursue the entrepreneurial avenue of "Robin, Renn, & Co." The Co. being their mom. For several years the three of them would meet in a shop behind Robin's house and design and create. The laughs, stories, and memories these mother-daughter years created were priceless for all three of them. Both Mom and Robin later went to work with their Dad at REW General Contractors. Growing up with a father in construction is one thing, learning all aspects of the construction business is quite another, but learn it she did, working there for 17 years and becoming President of REW. During her years with REW she became a member of the Nat'l Assoc. of Women in Construction or NAWIC. Many of these women became great friends to mom. In 2004 Mom, Robin, and Grandpa began remodeling and selling homes, doing most of the work themselves. She worked part time for Macy's and Christopher & Banks. Her health forced her to leave her purchasing position at Yakima Precision Wood Products in March of 2011. She made great friendships at all of these places. Mom was full of faith and loved Jesus with all her heart. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Yakima and loved it when she was able to attend 8:00 services where the music was sure to make her cry. She spent several years studying the Bible through Bible Study Fellowship. She talked to her kids and grandkids about Jesus all the time. It was imperative to her that she see us all again in Heaven. In 1992 her whole world changed with the birth of her first grandchild, Jordan. Her title officially changed to Granny. Jordan, Avery, Jackson, Mallory, & Quincey were adored by Granny and her by them. These kids were the highlights of her life; she was at every one of their births. The spoiling of these grandkids was beyond ridiculous, with candy or some sort of gift being given at every single visit. Mom was one of those rare people who was able to draw people to her everywhere she went. She had the most amazing smile, and she always greeted you with a smile plus a "Hi Sweetie!" Even when you called and were not face to face you still saw that smile. She was a fiercely loyal woman who possessed tremendous warmth, compassion and most of all an amazing sense of humor. It is because of these qualities that she was able to have such a warm, sincere, and meaningful impact on so many people's lives. Not many people get to experience the level of friendship that this woman both gave and received. Her friendships were so important to her. Cindy, Val, Ann, Liz, Kathy, Alene and of course her sister Robin were her rocks. The trips, trials, highs, and lows of life were all felt and shared amongst mom and these women. These friends provided more love, laughs and memories than one person should be allowed, and she absolutely provided the same for them. We have lost an incredible person only in the physical sense. Every time each of us recalls her in fond memory or shares a treasured moment spent with her, we keep her spirit alive. She will remain in our hearts forever. Renn was preceded in death by her beloved mother Jerrie Wallingford. Her mother was her hero and she always had so many wonderful things to say about her, and always looked forward to seeing her again when she reached the Gates of Heaven. She is survived by her father Robert Wallingford whom she was always proud to call Dad, her sister Robin Eichler and husband Steve, her son Scott Abrams and wife Meg, her daughter Jodi Seelig and husband Brett, her son Michael Abrams and wife Jesica. Also her grandkids: Jordan Murphy, Avery Abrams, Jackson Abrams, Mallory Seelig, and Quincey Abrams. Additionally, nieces: Lori Eichler, Leah Britz, and Jillian Eichler, and nephew Seth Eichler and their children. Some of her lifelong friends were Cindi Thompson, Liz Bolin, Val Smith, Ann Fraley, Alene Hamilton, and Kathy Coffey. A memorial of Renn's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 9 South 8th Avenue, on Monday April 1, 2013. In lieu of flowers the family would love for donations in Renn's name be made to the JDRF Seattle Guild or the Jeannine Hedwall Guild for Children's Hospital, care of Shaw & Sons at 201 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA 98901.