Rena Birks

Rena Rae (Flick) Birks, age 89, of Aurora, CO, formerly of Peoria and Washburn, IL, passed away at home of natural causes on March 9, 2018. Rena Rae was born on June 17, 1928, in Washburn, IL. Later she moved to Peoria, IL, where she graduated from the St Francis School of Nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse in Illinois and Colorado for over 50 years, the last 34 years at Rose Medical Center in Denver. Rena Rae loved the outdoors, especially beaches and the mountains. She was an avid animal lover. Rena Rae, in retirement, spent her time traveling whenever possible, reading, completing jigsaw puzzles, volunteering at a local elementary school, and enjoying time with friends and family. Rena Rae was a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She loved holiday get-togethers, especially Christmas. Friends and family remember fondly the many holiday celebrations, laughter, and fun. Rena Rae was the wife of the late Jack E. Birks, mother of Kevin Birks, Debbie Heidrich, Vicky Gleitz, and Kimberly Birks, grandmother of Jennifer Blum, Casey Blum, Tanya Cardwell, Lisa Gould, and L J Blum, and the great-grandmother of Xandra Blum and Zoey Wamsley. She was a loyal friend to many.