Renee Marie Gibson

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend,

Renee Marie Gibson, 61. Renee lost her courageous 50+ year battle with Type 1 diabetes,

when she peacefully passed away on January 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Renee, the youngest of six daughters, was born on November 25, 1964, in Portland, Oregon, to

parents, James and Margorie Raehsler. Renee was a shining star in the family from the

moment of her birth. She was the talk of the hospital, with a birth weight of 12 lbs., 13 oz., and

a full head of hair.

Shortly after Renee's birth, the Raehsler family adventured north to Washington state in 1965,

where Renee attended elementary, middle, and high school in Yelm, Washington. After

graduation, Renee returned to Portland to be near her siblings and family, and where she

eventually met the love of her life, Kelly Joseph Gibson.

Renee met Kelly through a blind date on February 25, 1992, set up by her future mother-in-law,

Maggie, and good friend, Nollie. Definitely a successful date, including a lovely dinner and the

movie, "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle," Kelly and Renee married on February 25, 1994,

exactly two years to-the-day of their blind date.

They spent their honeymoon in Las Vegas, with Renee proving to be Kelly's lucky charm - with

Kelly having his best-ever run at the blackjack table. A winning start to a very successful and

loving relationship and marriage. After their honeymoon, the couple returned to Portland

where they made their family home and were happily married for 31 wonderful years.

For many years of her career, Renee worked as a medical office manager, which she thoroughly

enjoyed. She especially relished the camaraderie of her last position, working for Dr. Tower, in

Portland. She was not shy in often proclaiming she had the best work environment in the world.

Renee also enjoyed sewing and card making, but she especially loved the company of her cats.

Whenever possible, Renee also loved spending time on the Oregon Coast. She and Kelly would

spend many of their anniversaries there, and Renee would often make day trips to the coast

with her sister, Bev.

Unfortunately, through much of her life, the majority of Renee's free time was occupied

maintaining her health. Renee was a fighter, and never gave-up. She was extremely diligent

about caring for herself.

Renee had a special talent in being able to quickly make friends wherever she went, and with

whomever crossed her path, including co-workers, her hair dresser, medical professionals, and

several others. Renee never met a stranger.

Renee was also known for her strong work ethic. She retired just a year ago, but with her

chronic disease, she could have qualified for retirement years earlier. She was a workhorse, and

like the Energizer Bunny, she kept on going.

Having faced debilitating health challenges herself, Renee worked tirelessly to promote the

awareness of diabetes and organ transplantation. She would often participate in many types of

fundraising events to benefit these worthy causes and the American Diabetes Association.

Renee always put her family first and foremost. Even as the youngest, Renee was the bridge

that held the family together. She was the family's sounding board and peacemaker. If there

was a disagreement, Renee would always listen, and be there for you, but in the end, she would

stay out of things, letting people work things out on their own, with the motto, "life is too

short." Unfortunately, she was right.

Renee was proceeded in death by her parents, James and Marjorie (Brunet) Raehsler, sisters

Mary Elizabeth (still born), Susie Wright, Jean Beyers, Gloria Marti, and in-laws Margaret

(Maggie) and Kern Gibson.

Renee is survived by her loving husband Kelly; sister Beverly Wright (Dennis) of Nibley, Utah;

brother-in-law Kurt Gibson (Pat) of Portland, Oregon; her adored cat, Ridley; and many nieces

and nephews.

The family would like to sincerely thank the doctors, nurses, CNAs, and the entire staff of

Portland Adventist, for their loving care of Renee, in her final days. The family would also like

to thank Renee's many friends for their unwavering support throughout her illness.

A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, in Gresham, Oregon, on February 6,

2026, at 2:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. If you are unable to attend the service, the family

suggested a way to honor Renee would be to take a moment to remember her and recall a fond

memory of your time with her.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in Renee's honor, please feel free to

donate to the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/by-mail).

We love and miss you already Renee.