Vineta (Rensink) Davis

After a brief illness, Vineta (Rensink) Davis, recently of Albuquerque, NM, passed on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. She was born on Shakespeare's birthday in rural Darrington, WA, to Fred and Leitha (Warner) Rensink. She enjoyed a childhood of days filled with big snows, vast gardens, and the sometimes-mighty Sauk River.

Music, education, and religion loomed large in the Rensink's house, and Vineta appreciated their presence. She taught piano as early as age 13 and played in the local church. She later completed her associate's degree at Everett Community College and subsequently enrolled at Washington State University, where she earned both her bachelor's degree in education and ultimately her master's degree in music. During that time, she met and married William (Bill) Davis (d 2007) of Washougal, WA.

Vineta settled for the next 50 years in Aurora, CO, raising the three sons by whom she is survived, David (Sandy), Dan (Donna) of Albuquerque, NM, and Derek of Denver, CO. She taught private piano lessons from her home. She performed as a weekly organist at diverse local churches, including Burns United Methodist Church, where Bill was a liturgist following divinity school. After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, Vineta returned to her education career. Incredibly, despite her musical education and acumen, she was never hired as a music teacher. Instead, she remained an elementary school teacher for the next 20 years.

Choosing a somewhat early retirement, Vineta remained active and busy volunteering for multiple organizations. Her most cherished activities included the Denver chapter of the American Guild of Organists (past chapter president), the Denver Botanic Gardens (becoming both a Master Gardener and docent), and the Denver Museum of Natural History (docent).

Steeped in religion, Vineta was proud to play the organ for any denomination that asked. When her eyes no longer worked well enough to drive to her Sunday stints around the Denver metropolis, Vineta moved to Albuquerque to be closer to her grandchildren, Truman and Robert, to both of whom she was particularly dedicated.

Vineta is also survived by siblings Ivalee Millard (Phil d 2021), Alyn (Mary) Rensink, and Gale Rensink, as well as many nieces and nephews. Vineta was a wonderful sister, aunt, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed.

No flowers, please. Donations are not necessary, but if desired, they may be gifted in her name to Denver Botanic Gardens or the Denver Museum of Natural History.