Obituary: Nedra Rarden Harris Kirkpatrick
Nedra Rarden Harris Kirkpatrick, age 72 of Rhinelander, died Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Rennes Health and Rehab in Rhinelander. She was born April 23, 1943, in Vallejo, Calif., to Leonard F. and Kathryn (Henry) Rarden. Nedra attended schools in Vallejo and graduated from Vallejo Senior High School with the class of 1961. Later, she returned to Fresno City College and received an associate degree as a legal secretary and eventually received a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco in 1988, majoring in human relations and organizational behavior. Nedra had a wide range of occupations, working as a Yellow Cab dispatcher, hotel housekeeping, associate director of United Way of Fresno County, supervisor for senior programs in Madera County, Madera Community Home Health Agency, and administrative secretary for First United Methodist Church, Klamath Falls, Ore. Nedra was a longtime advocate for senior citizens and their rights. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Phil Kirkpatrick; sons Gary and Leo Harris Jr.; brothers Fred, Dale, and Gary; nephew Ronald Rarden; and her beloved Shih Tzu dog, “Spook.” Nedra leaves behind her niece, Mary Rarden of Fort Worth, Texas; sister-in-law Carolyn Rarden and niece, Carrie Rarden of Klamath Falls, Ore.; “adopted” son, Mark Wilson of Klamath Falls, Ore.; nephew Robert Rarden of Florida; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins. She had many friends while living in Fresno, Calif., Klamath Falls, Ore., and St. Germain before moving to Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Rhinelander. There she made more friends, enjoyed participating in the activities of the center, and playing bingo. She especially loved playing mahjong and other board games and recently learned cribbage. She was known for her jigsaw puzzles. Nedra was very proud of her March 15, 1985, sobriety date. She was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous in Fresno and maintained many friendships there. Nedra’s faith was very important in her life. She was very active in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Fresno, Calif., serving on committees as well as chairing the administrative board. It was there that Nedra was moved to become a certified lay speaker with the California-Nevada Conference. Her commitment to the Lord continued when she and husband, Phil moved to Klamath Falls, Ore., where she continued her lay speaker’s role with the Oregon-Idaho Conference, served on other committees, and was secretary to the council. She was currently a member of First United Methodist Church in Rhinelander. There will be no formal services. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Rhinelander or Klamath Falls, Ore. Carlson Funeral Home of Rhinelander is assisting with arrangements. (Carlson Funeral Home)
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