Rena (Short) Amburgey

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On April 14, 2026, surrounded by her family, Rena Mae Amburgey went home to be with her husband Isaac Earl Amburgey and her sons Kenneth Ray Amburgey and John Edward Amburgey. 
Rena Mae was born on May 18, 1939, in Ivis, Kentucky to Jolly (Dock) & Clarinda Short. Rena Mae lived a life filled with love and devotion to those she cherished most. She was a beloved wife, mother and a proud grandmother whose greatest joy came from caring for her family. 

On October 16, 1954, Rena Mae married the love of her life Isaac Amburgey in Smithsboro, Kentucky at his father’s house. She shared a beautiful life with her husband, Isaac, and together they built a family rooted in love. As a mother, she gave endlessly of herself, always offering wisdom, comfort, and unwavering support. As a grandmother, she found pure happiness in every hug, every story, and every precious moment spent with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Rena Mae will be remembered for her Sunday breakfasts and her love for gardening.  Rena Mae left a lasting mark on all who knew her. She was employed by Handy and Harman and then Dana.

She is lovingly survived by daughters Robin Amburgey, Delores (Steve Christleib) Amburgey, and Phyllis (Donald) Clouse, honorary son Joseph Napora, daughter-in-law Sue Amburgey, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and her best friend and sister Ina Mae Wynn. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Isaac Amburgey, sons Kenneth and John Amburgey, brothers Hager Newsome, Kenneth and Harold Short, and sisters Jewell Baker, Armina Reynolds, Emagene Collins, and Dora Lee Back.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, her love will remain forever in the hearts of her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Her memory will continue to live on in the lives she touched so deeply.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Rena's life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.  Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM prior to the funeral service. She will be buried next to her late husband, Isaac, at Orange Cemetery near Rome City. Casket bearers will be Cameron Thompson, Joseph Napora, Tiffany Amburgey, Nicholas Combs, Brendan Napora, James Amburgey, Matthew Amburgey, and Michael Amburgey.
 

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