Renate Medley

Renate Medley, 70, passed away on the afternoon of February 25th, 2025. Born on June 22, 1954, Renate has lived a life of adventure, filled with travel and events. She was warm and welcoming and had friends all across the country.

While working in the art department at Orange Coast Community College, she started taking classes. One day her councillor said that she had taken enough random classes, and that she needed to focus. Soon she was enrolled at Cal State University, Long Beach studying English Literature. A few years later while she worked and, as a single mom, raised her son Luke, she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in English. Eventually she taught English at Riverside Community College and mentored the Children’s Literature Club

She was also focused on community service. She worked for Art Masters, traveling throughout Los Angeles County giving art classes to children in elementary and middle schools. She also worked with the First Book organization that gave books to early readers to promote literacy and a love for reading. She was a Lion’s Club member and participated in eye tissue, over the mountain by car relays between Bend, Oregon and Portland, when moving vision saving tissue between hospitals when bad weather made flying the tissue impossible. In addition, she was the progenitor of Santiam Hearts to Arts, a non-profit organization that promoted art and music in local schools. Her organization also sponsors the community chorus and the local radio station that broadcasts general music and emergency weather reports for 50 miles of mountain highway.

While in Mill City, Oregon for 16 years, Renate enjoyed long daily walks, horseback riding, kayaking, exploring waterfalls and watching Canada Geese and bald eagles flying along the river on their way to the lake.

Renate is survived by her son Luke and her husband of 30 years, Mike. A private service was held in her home.

Renate’s favourite phrase: “Looking for the next great adventure!”