Rella Dora McKenzie Redmon
died at the age 101
Called to Life August 23, 1911 and Called to Eternity May 21, 2013 “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing it will be; when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the jubilee!” These are lyrics from one of Rella Dora McKenzie Redmon’s favorite gospel songs. She left us peacefully on May 21, 2013, ninety-five days short of the 102nd birthday. She now is with our Lord after living with Alzheimer’s disease for the past five years. Throughout her life she was beloved by all who knew her especially for her humble nature and ever present sense of humor and welcoming smile, Rella was often described as a strong and caring woman who had an amazingly wonderful spirit and love of Jesus-she will be dearly missed.
In 1929 Rella graduated from the Mossip School for Girls, administered by the Presbyterian Church, in Harriman, TN. She was a basketball player and remained a fan of the sport all her life. Rella’s dream was to become a missionary and serve overseas. Even though she was unable to attend college, due to the early and untimely death of her father, she was a avid learner and began her married life in 1933. Charlie and Rella Redmon were married on august 12, 1933, in Oakdale. They soon relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio to pursue work. She served as a Wave in the United States Navy during WWII and was employed by Proctor and Gamble for a number of years until retiring in1973. She was an active member of historic Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. Rella served as Altar Guild chairperson from 1954 to 1973. In the same year she and Charlie retired and moved back to Oakdale and enjoy their retirement. Rella was a long time member of Oakdale United Methodist Church. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and was a wonderful baker.
Rella was born in Oakdale August 23, 1911, to Florence (Johnson) and Roe McKenzie. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Charlie Redmon, also of Oakdale, two brothers: George and Henry McKenzie, two sisters: Dorothy Ruppe Williams and Clara Farmer Walters. She is survived by Son: Charles Roe Redmon (Atlanta) with whom she resided during the past fifteen months
Grandson: Christopher McKenzie Redmon (Rockwood) and wife Melissa (Missy) Ruppe Redmon, Two Great Grandchildren: Marissa McKenzie Redmon and Caleb Allen Redmon. Rella is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to say a word of special Thanks and Gratitude for her extraordinary care during the past four years to Verda Solomon, Tammy Callahan and Yolunda Richardson. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7p.m. Friday May 24, 2013 at Schubert Funeral Home Wartburg. A funeral Service celebrating her life will be at 7pm in the Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will be at 11:00a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013 at Crab Orchard Cemetery, Oakdale. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Attn: Donor Services, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601 [Schubert Funeral Home]
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Rella Dora McKenzie Redmon, of Oakdale, is about to become 100 years old on Aug. 23, 2011. The honor of your presence is requested for a very special afternoon of fellowship and celebration with this cherished member of our family and of the Oakdale community. Please stop by on Saturday afternoon Aug. 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pine Orchard Community Center where you can visit, reminisce, enjoy some cake and fellowship.
No gifts please as your presence will be the best gift of all!
Rella is a long time member of Oakdale United Methodist Church, mother of Charles Roe Redmon of Atlanta, grandmother of Christopher McKenzie Redmon (and wife Missy) of Rockwood, and great-grandmother of Marissa and Caleb Redmon, Rockwood.