Rena Stephanie Merker
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Rena's obituary
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Rena Merker on January 22, 2024. Born on February 6, 1980, Rena illuminated the lives of everyone around her with her energetic spirit and vivacious personality.
Rena Merker was a beacon of light, best described as a “firecracker” in human form. With an innate intelligence, outgoing disposition, and fearless attitude, she was more than a force to be reckoned with.
Education:
Rena attended Little Elementary School, Moore Middle School and Pomona High School - all in Arvada, Colorado. Rena continued her education at the University of Colorado at Denver and in 2006 received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science. Shortly after graduating college, Rena interned for a Colorado State Senator. At one time she wanted to be a lawyer, like her father.
Employment:
Rena was employed by BNSF Railroad for 12 years as a conductor. While there, Rena was an advocate for Women’s Rights on the railroad and was responsible for the railroad making many positive changes in the working conditions for women. Her strength and tenacity will be remembered by the many women she helped give a voice.
Activities/Loves
If you knew Rena, you knew that her devotion and love for all animals, and especially horses, was unmatched. Her mother Joy shared that Rena’s passion for horseback riding started around the age of 11 or 12. She was hooked after her first ride. Her first horse “Mister” was a gray Arabian. Mister was a horse that only walked and Rena had higher aspirations for her horseback riding. Later, Rena bought “Lola”. Lola was truly one of Rena’s greatest loves. She owned her for 22 years. Lola was a versatile horse and Rena began roping with her and competing in Gymkhanas in Arvada, Colorado. The next step for this energetic young woman was learning how to barrel race.
In 2008, Rena moved from Colorado to Nebraska where she learned team roping. More time was spent living and ranching in Nebraska and Rena learned to barrel race.
Rena was a consistently competitive barrel racer and roper for the last 16 years of her life and won many accolades. Her awards included seven belt buckles and two trophy saddles, all of which had her name on them.
Rena was also an accomplished horse trainer. She trained and influenced many young riders by encouraging them to find their own horseback riding path.
She started a breeding program with her horse named “Ticket”. The horse was appropriately named as Rena earned a lot of money from selling Ticket’s babies.
Rena’s latest mare, “Sugar Cookie” was to be a brood mare and roping prospect. Unfortunately, Rena didn’t get the chance to put Sugar Cookie through her paces.
Rena’s gifts weren’t limited to just horses. She was also very talented with dogs. She once settled a nervous dog into a trance-like state just by playing a drum and talking to him.
Rena trained her beloved border collie, Kali, to work with her on the ranch. Kali was great at her job of herding Rena’s cows, but was especially good at loving Rena. Kali would do anything for Rena. She owned two other dogs at different times in her life. Sarge was a smart yellow lab that she rescued and James Hudson Merker the First was her spunky Pekinese. As many of Rena’s friends and family knew, James could talk. He did taxes for a living and sometimes hosted competitions on FaceBook. Rena was also a lover of cats and owned three: Mr. Whiskers, Kitty and Popcorn.
Rena's indomitable spirit made her a vibrant and central figure in the lives of so many.
She is survived by her parents: mother Joy Merker of Hay Springs, Nebraska; father Steven J. Merker and step-mother Janet Merker of Arvada, Colorado; her three siblings: older brother Steven J. Merker (and his daughter Alexandra Merker, Rena’s niece) and fiancé Kayla Armstrong and her daughter Bella, all of Wheat Ridge, Colorado; her younger sister, Ashley Merker, of Brooklyn, New York; and younger brother, Matthew Merker, of Arvada, Colorado.
Let us honor Rena's memory with the same fervor and dedication that she demonstrated throughout her life.
Rest in Peace, Beautiful Girl! We will love and miss you forever. You were one of a kind!
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