Rena LaRue Dickinson Cowdell, age 87 of Manila, Utah passed away December 25, 2019, at her home. She was born September 15, 1932, in Santaquin, Utah to Anna Worthlin and Kenneth Dickinson with 7 siblings. Her father Kenneth Dickinson was an apple farmer and hauled coal. Rena graduated from Payson High School in 1950. She then moved with her parents to West Temple in Salt Lake City to work at the Tooele Army Depot. Rena married Donald C. Cowdell on February 28, 1953, and they started Cowdell Construction in 1958. Together they had 4 children: Lyn, Barbara, Rod and Gina and raised their family in Murray, Utah. Don and Rena bought their place in Manila, Utah in 1974. After retiring in 1994, Don and Rena wintered in Parker, Arizona, and summered in Manila, Utah, where they made great memories and friends. Rena volunteered at the hospital as a Pink Lady and taught the primary age children in the LDS Church. Rena was the most loving and caring person. She would do anything to make everyone happy and feel welcome. She was an avid Utah Jazz Fan and loved John Stockton. She enjoyed playing cards, camping and fishing with family and friends.
A special thank you to Jana Mike Franz and other friends who were always there for her.
Rena is preceded in death by her husband, Donald C. Cowdell, daughter, Lyn, parents: Anna and Kenneth Dickinson. Brothers: LaVar Dickinson, Rex Dickinson Max Dickinson. Sisters: Emogene Tallerico and Joyce Larsen.
Rena is survived by her children: Barbara Clark, Rod (Lisa) Cowdell and Gina Dyches. 9 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren (with one on the way) and 5 great-great grandchildren, brother Dick Dickinson and sister Luella Jackson.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 4, 2020, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Manila, (1st North 1st West) at 1pm. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:45am-12:45pm. Burial will be in the Manila City Cemetery following the services. Online condolences may be shared at
www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com. Services and care entrusted to the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.Visitation Sat, Jan 4, 2020 at 11:45 am - 12:45 pmWest Jordan City Cemetery
7925 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
View Map Funeral Service Sat, Jan 4, 2020 at 1:00 pmManila LDS Chapel
1st North 1st West
Manila, UT 84046
View Map
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