Rena Rozalle “Snookie” Belcher, 79, of Patoka passed away Monday, February 14, 2022, at her home. Rena was born and raised on a little farm in rural Sandoval where she learned responsibility while milking cows, tending chickens and helping her Mom wash clothes on their ringer washer. Nicknamed Snookie by her Dad, she always looked up to her brothers, Bob and Tom, and to her sister Wilma. Many wonderful memories were created with her siblings and cousins, and they all shared a special bond that would sustain into adulthood.
Rena perfected the art of making a curl atop an ice cream cone while working her first job at Taylor Maid in Sandoval. She bought her first car with her earnings from working at Fiberglass in Centralia. Rena completely disliked the night shift at her job at Hollywood Brands Candy Factory in Centralia, but would never have missed out on the true friendships she made there. She was grateful to work for Carl Altadonna at Altadonna’s IGA in Sandoval where she made the best Fancy Fried Chicken and give a listening ear to her co-workers. Rena was ecstatic to work under the supportive leadership of her brother, Tom Vogt at the Colonial Golf Course in Sandoval where she witnessed how her brother gave his all to make the golf course successful.
Rena was a faithful member of the Patoka First Baptist Church where she appreciated the love and support of her Sunday school sisters and extended church family. She was known for her quick-witted sense of humor and always tried to find the bright side of every situation. She was extremely intelligent but too humble to ever let herself realize how smart she was. Rena loved to read mysteries and challenge her mind with good trivia questions. She was an amazing cook and talented baker, sharing her famous Aunt Snookie Sugar Cookies on birthdays and special occasions.
Rena was a true admirer of “The King”, Elvis Presley, 1950’s doo wop, and vintage country music. She loved to sing and would do so whether at work or play. Rena was a homebody who loved the comforts of being at home. Her kitchen was always filled with the rich aroma of fresh brewed coffee as Rena was a true coffee connoisseur way before it was popular. She was a gracious hostess at the ready to keep cups filled while visiting with family and friends.
Rena’s true pride and joy came when her precious grandson Jackson Robert was born. She was the most amazing, nurturing Nana, spending quality time with Jackson and playing an intricate role in the young man he has become. Rena was loyal, genuine, kind, compassionate, patient, funny, and a little sassy. Her gentle giving spirit will truly be missed but is sure to extend on to future generations.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 18, 2022 at the Patoka First Baptist Church with Reed Tallman officiating. Interment will follow at Pratt Cemetery in rural Patoka. Friends are welcome to a visitation time from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at the church in Patoka. Memorials may be made in Rena’s honor to the Patoka First Baptist Church. Online condolences and memories of Rena may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
Survivors that will never forget Rena’s gentle spirit and kindness to all include her daughter Tammy Chappell and husband Chris of Patoka; her grandson that captured her heart, Jackson Chappell; step-sons Allen Belcher and wife Denise of Mattoon, and David Belcher of Patoka; step-grandchildren Heather Belcher, and Jonathan Belcher; step-great-grandchild Lyric Belcher; brothers-in-law Bill Edwards, and Clifford Belcher and wife Joan both of Patoka; sisters-in-law Mary Vogt of Sandoval, and Sharon Belcher of Patoka; special cousins Margie Burgess and husband Larry of Sandoval, Victor Sherhart and wife Jane of Sandoval, and Arland Speidel and wife Mary Kaye of Centralia; many wonderful nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews; and her loyal caregiver Maria Carpenter.
Along with her husband of 45 years, Dallas “Dally” Belcher, Rena was preceded in death, and welcomed to a homecoming party in Heaven by her parents Otto and Margie Vogt; her brothers Robert “Bob” Vogt, and Thomas “Tom” Vogt; her sister Wilma Edwards; her nieces Dena Vogt Marke and Debbie Parrish; her nephew Jeff Belcher; her aunt Wilma Sherhart and husband Victor; sisters-in-law Janice Vogt, Juanita Quick, and Dorothy Belcher; and brothers-in-law Roland Belcher, Brady Belcher, Sam Belcher, Walter Belcher, and Jess Quick.
She was born on her parents, Otto and Margaret “Margie” (Dobrick) Vogt’s farm in rural Sandoval on December 10, 1942. She married her debate partner, Dallas “Dally” Belcher on April 3, 1971, at Zion Church in Central City. He preceded her in death on February 21, 2017.
