Octa "Gena" Regina Rinehart

Octa Regina “Gena” Rinehart, age 87, of Fort Wayne, IN, left this earth on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at her residence.        

 Gena was born on September 2, 1935, and was preceded in death by her parents, father, Clarence Cleon Rinehart and mother, Edna M. (Reed) Rinehart.

Gena graduated from Huntington Township in 1953. She went on to study psychology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham.  Upon completion, she then enlisted in the United States Army, serving military hospitals, a portion of that time at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  Upon discharge from the Army, she returned to Fort Wayne, Indiana and retired from Lutheran Hospital as an EEG technician.

She devoted her life to the caring of animals. There was not a pet that didn't receive her tender loving care. Her passions were landscaping and a multitude of flowers with the mainstay being roses; her favorite being peach-colored roses.

Gena is survived by one brother, Jay (Karen) Rinehart of a Huntington; one nephew, Jeremy (Leah) Rinehart, Ft. Wayne; one niece, Anna (Dr. Jason) Rich, Claypool; and six great nieces and nephews, Brennan and Amelia Rinehart, and Ava, Porter, Cassie, and Tessa Rich.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a 4:00 p.m. Memorial Service at St. Peter’s First Community Church, 206 Etna Avenue, Huntington, IN.

A private burial will be at St. Peter’s First Community Church Cemetery, Huntington, IN, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family to help with expenses in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN.

McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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