Virgenia "Gena" Pauline Rensberry

RENSBERRY, Virgena “Gena” - Gena was born in Wisconsin on December 10, 1926, to Andrew and Maggie Buckta. She passed away peacefully just 2 months shy of age 100 in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

Gena attended Spring Arbor Junior College in Spring Arbor, Michigan, where she met her future husband, A. Merlyn Rensberry. They were married on August 21, 1954 in Spring Arbor. For most of the 72 years of marriage, they ministered together in various Free Methodist congregations in the Upper Michigan Peninsula, Gena teaching Sunday School while Merlyn preached. They later emigrated to Ontario, Canada in 1970 with their 3 children, where she and Merlyn continued to serve in Christian ministry wherever the Free Methodist Church stationing committee saw fit to appoint them. Gena was a huge help to Merlyn, making his pastorates a success. Gena loved to sing and often sang with Merlyn while he played the piano.

For many, many years she was an in-home caregiver, working from 1975 until 2007, and she excelled at it. Until their late 80’s, Merlyn and Gena would drive thousands of miles every year visiting their siblings, children, and other relatives, and going to family reunions.

Gena was predeceased by her twin brother Virgil, and five other siblings: Esther, Maynard, Harold, Evelyn, and Richard “Dick”. She is survived by her husband Arthur Merlyn Rensberry, children David, Steve, and Donita, and grandchildren Alyssa, Ben, Katie, Amber, and Jessica, and several great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to join for a Memorial Service at Salvation Army (670 John Street) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:00 pm with Major Sean Furey officiating. Friends are invited to view the service online anytime up to 90 days, go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Virgenia's name. A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to Salvation Army would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East; 705-759-2522) Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com