Margaret Rose Ren

Born in Elk Point, SD, to John and Blanche Stotz, Margaret was the oldest of six children. She graduated from the 8th grade in the “little one room schoolhouse” and helped care for her younger siblings, many of whom looked to her as a “second mother.”

At 17, she moved to Washington State to live with her Aunt Loretta and Uncle Lester and began a lifelong career in food service, first at Carl’s Bakery and later at “the deli” in Snohomish. While there, she met Don Ren, and they were married on May 16, 1959.

Soon their family grew as Brian, Mark, and Brenda arrived, and ten years later, Sharon was born, rounding out their family of four

children.

In 1982, to teach her children that if she could get a job, they could get a job, Margaret applied as a substitute with Lake Stevens School District Food Services, and what began as a teaching moment blossomed into a 20-year career, leaving behind a legacy that includes her legendary cinnamon rolls.

A faithful member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, she served the Lord with her whole heart.

She leaves behind daughters Brenda Tieken (James) and Sharon Troupe (James); seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, with one on the way; sisters Velma Austad (South Dakota) and Kathy Jolin (Dwayne, Oklahoma); many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and her beloved church family.

As Don, Brian, and Mark welcomed her home to her place of eternal rest, we did not say goodbye. Instead, we said, “See you later, Mama. Love you.”