Obituary of Rena LeFever

Rena LeFever was born in Cortland, NY, on January 3, 1928. She died peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by family at the Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Guthrie and the Elizabeth Brewster House for the exceptional care they provided her. Predeceased by parents: Salem and Nazera Ferris, and brother and sisters: Tofield (Jean) Ferris, Eloise Pierce, Julia (Nick) Karpenko, Vera (Emmett) Foote, Tena (Tom) Maguire, and Marion (Wayne) Lear, and son in law Matthew Murray. She was married to the late James E. LeFever for 73 years. Rena is survived by her children: René Murray, Nancy (Buzz Barber) LeFever, and Paul LeFever. Loving grandparents to Amy Rascanin, Adrienne (Adam) Sutton, Allison (Luke) Jones, Ryan LeFever, Rayann LeFever, and great-grandchildren: Luka Rascanin, Brooke Sutton, Quinn Sutton, Ruby Jones, and Maeve Jones. Love extended to Buzz's children: Heather (John) Lellig, Duston Barber, Holly (Byron) Young and their families. Many nieces and nephews also survive her. Rena graduated from Cortland High School in 1948. She started working at JCPenney and retired as a teacher's aide at the Virgil Elementary School in 1991. For 70 years, she was an active member of the Virgil Auxiliary, Cortland County Auxiliary, Tompkins County Auxiliary, Central New York Auxiliary, and the New York State Auxiliary. Calling hours will be held on May 8, 2025 from 2 to 5 pm at Wright Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Avenue, Cortland, NY. A funeral service will be held on May 9, 2025 at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 59 N Main St, Cortland, NY, with the burial at the Virgil Cemetery. To stream Rena's funeral service, please visit www.wright-beard.com, click on Rena's obituary, then click the live funeral stream. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Virgil Fire Department, 1195 West State Road, Cortland, NY 13045 or to a charity of your choice.