Gwen Rinker

Gwennyth Ann "Gwen" Rinker, age 88, of Waterville, passed away peacefully in Wenatchee, Washington on April 23, 2025. Gwen was born on May 31, 1936, in Leavenworth, Washington and was joyfully welcomed by her parents, Glen Bruce and Adalene "Pinky" Parkins. Throughout her life, Gwen touched the hearts of all who knew her through her kindness, deep generosity, sense of humor, tireless work ethic, dedication to family, and steadfast faith. In 1954, Gwen married the love of her life, Arvene Rinker, on February 13th. Together, they relocated to Douglas, Washington, where they embarked on a journey as wheat farmers and proudly began their family in 1957. This union was blessed with three children: Jeff, Shari, and Cindy. Although she experienced the profound losses of her children Jeff and Shari, Gwen's strength and dedication to her family never wavered. A true beacon of love, Gwen's greatest passion was her family. Her home was a haven of laughter, warmth, and delicious aromas from her kitchen. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she cherished every precious moment spent with them. As she raised her family, Gwen cultivated a life filled with devotion to her community and church family. Her involvement at the United Lutheran Church was deeply meaningful, where she actively served in various capacities, including the Mary Martha circle and the U.L.C. Women's Circle. She demonstrated her leadership, organization, and kindness as president, secretary, and treasurer of the American Lutheran Church Women's organization (A.L.C.W.). Gwen was also dedicated in her role as an officer for Douglas County Memorial Hospital Guild, where her compassionate heart and commitment to community welfare positively impacted countless lives. Outside her commitments to family and the community, Gwen maintained a deeply rooted passion for her yard; her vibrant, carefully tended garden was a testament to her nurturing spirit and love of nature. Gwen was also an avid football fan, spending many Sundays cheering on her teams. Her home was a haven where friends, family, and neighbors alike gathered often, enjoying her warmth, laughter, and delicious home cooking. Gwen's unconditional love and selflessness anchored her family, leaving a beautiful legacy cherished by multiple generations. She cherished her grandchildren, Stephanie (Sean) Johanson, Swayze (Arron) Carlille, Jeff (Jayme) Bultena, Luke (Maria) Bultena, Dylan (Jordan) Rinker, and Dustin (Shelby) Rinker, who fondly remember Gwen's comforting hugs, endless support, and ever-present humor. Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Arvene, her son Jeff Rinker and her daughter Shari Brady, as well as by her parents Glen Bruce and Adalene "Pinky" Parkins. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter Cindy and her husband Craig Terry, sister Bonny (Dick) Ludeman, grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. A graveside service honoring Gwen's beautiful and memorable life will be held at the Douglas Cemetery on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, all are warmly invited to gather at Knemeyer's to enjoy food, drinks, and an opportunity to share stories, laughter, and special memories celebrating Gwen. Gwen will be profoundly missed, her genuine kindness, unwavering faith, and generous heart remaining alive in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Tributes

Gwen Rinker

May 31, 1936 - April 23, 2025