RENEE r. RODGERS

Renee Rae Rodgers was born on April 17, 1981, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, to her loving parents, Ron and Cynthia Rodgers. After a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, she passed away at the age of 42 in Glendale, Arizona. Renee was a proud graduate of Ironwood High School in Glendale and furthered her education at Arizona State University.

 

Her adventurous spirit led her to embrace the great outdoors,

whether it was enjoying the beach, going on hikes, or spending

quality time with her cherished family and friends. Known for her

inner and outer beauty, Renee had a gift for bringing joy to

others through her sense of humor and lively presence.

She was a beacon of kindness and generosity, always the first to

lend a helping hand to those in need.

 

Renee's compassion extended beyond people to her love for

animals. Throughout her lifetime, she rescued and cared for

numerous cats and dogs, bringing joy and comfort to their lives.

However, Renee's true passion was discovered alongside her

sister Gena, when they both fell in love with the Arabian horse.

 

From a young age, she immersed herself in the world of Arabian horses, starting her journey at the age of 12. Over the years, she dedicated herself to becoming a professional horse trainer and found immense fulfillment in guiding and mentoring young riders who shared her passion.

Renee's dedication and skill were evident in the show ring, where she achieved remarkable success, earning prestigious titles such as U.S. National Champion and Scottsdale Champion, along with numerous Regional Championships in the Western Pleasure Amateur Division.

 

In addition to her kind nature, Renee was known for her unwavering determination, encapsulated by her motto, "Fortune Favors the Brave." This resilience was put to the ultimate test when she received a diagnosis of a rare form of ovarian cancer on October 5th, 2023. In the face of this daunting challenge, Renee displayed extraordinary strength, courage, and grace as she confronted the toughest battles one could ever be asked to endure. Her remarkable bravery throughout those few months left an indelible mark on all who witnessed her unwavering spirit.

 

It's impossible to fully capture the impact of such a beautiful life as Renee's in only a few paragraphs. Her loss has deeply affected her parents Ron and Cindy, and it's a profound tragedy that no parents should have to endure. For her sister Gena, facing one of the most difficult times in her life, it is Renee she wants to talk to. Her nephews, grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins will feel her absence every day, as they each carry a piece of her within them. Renee's true essence is understood by the many friends she leaves behind, including her close friends Ashley, Tara, and Megan, the latter of whom shared a 40-year friendship with Renee. While this narrative begins to tell her story, it barely scratches the surface of who she was.

 

In honor of Renee's memory, the Renee Rodgers Foundation is being established to raise awareness for education and early detection of ovarian cancer. Her family and friends are dedicated to preserving Renee's legacy through this foundation and the impactful work it will undertake.

 

She will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her and admired by those who have come to know her through her story.

 

Renee is survived by her grandmother Margaret Hyden, her parents Ron and Cindy, her beloved sister Gena, her nephews Tyler and Nathan, six aunts, one uncle, their spouses, and 14 cousins, as well as her close friends Megan, Ashley, and Tara.