Elizabeth Irene Rehbein

May 3, 1931 – October 17, 2024

Elizabeth Irene Rehbein, aged 93, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. Irene was a beautiful, caring, talented, dedicated, and progressive woman who lived a life marked by devotion to her family and her passions. She was born on May 3, 1931, in Savage Kentucky and eventually moved with her family to Mount Summit Indiana, where she lived with her eight siblings in a hilltop farmhouse, until graduating from Mount Summit High School and marrying the love of her life, Arthur, (known as Bud) Rehbein who was initially a History Teacher but transitioned to the Insurance industry. In 1965, they, and their three young children, transferred to Arizona with Bud’s employer, Farmers Insurance Group, where he worked for the rest of his career as an Insurance Adjuster.

After working many years as a stay-at-home mom/homemaker, Irene built a rewarding career as a legal secretary, demonstrating her commitment and diligence in her professional life.

Her personal life was enriched by her involvement in a variety of activities. Over the years and during different seasons of life, Irene was an accomplished seamstress, gourmet cook, and volunteer, keeping fit with aerobics, hiking, tennis and golf. She also found great joy in reading, travel, and card playing. She cherished her weekly bridge group with friends and euchre nights with family. At one time, she was an active member of the Tempe Sister City program, reflecting her love for cultural exchange and community service. In addition, she previously attended First United Methodist Church in Tempe, Arizona, where she participated in numerous church activities and formed lasting friendships.

After seeing their three beloved children obtain college educations, marry and have children of their own, Irene's husband, Bud, passed away too soon, just prior to his retirement age of 65 after battling cancer for two years. Bud’s larger-than-life personality left emptiness in the hearts of each family member. Several years later, Irene was lucky to meet Rudy Ramsey, who remained her dearest friend for over 20 years and was loved by all the family before he passed away in December 2022. They were able to travel the world together and celebrate each of their families’ many milestones.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her sister Ruth Burd; two sons, Michael (Diana) and James Rehbein; seven grandchildren: Jean (Justin) Counts, Jacob (Amy) Adams, Sara Adams, Dylan (Taylor) Rehbein, Austin Rehbein, Francesca Rehbein, and Sophia Rehbein. Elizabeth was also a proud great-grandmother to eleven great-grandchildren: Wylie, Casey, Cameron, Paige, Aubrey, and Kellan Counts; MacKenzie and Harper Rutherford; Logan and Naomi Adams, and Reid Rehbein. Her family extends across the United States with several nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her beloved spouse, Arthur (Bud) Rehbein; her daughter, Lisa Adams; her parents, Casher and Mabel Smith; and her siblings, Bob and Charlie Smith, Florene McCormick, Florence (Jim) Swann, Mary (Norman) Shaw, Fannie (Norman) Beall, and Shirley (Joe) Owen.

Irene lived a long, beautiful life surrounded by loved ones and she looked forward to transitioning to the next life to be reunited with so many who passed before her, especially her beloved daughter, Lisa, who passed away at the age of 69yrs in November 2022 and who lived a few miles away for most of her life. Irene left us the day before Lisa’s birthday and it gave us all comfort to know they were together again.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mountain Park Church, located at 16461 S 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85048, on January 11, 2025 from 1-3pm. Elizabeth's life and legacy will be honored and remembered by all who knew her.