Lorean "Reno" A Givans

Lorean Reno A. Givans Born November 12, 1929 to Mabel Yates Givans and George Park Givans in Stringtown Indianapolis Indiana. Memorial Service: Sunday January 9, 2011 at 1 PM at Living Water Ministry 1651 East Minnesota Street Indianapolis Indiana. Cremation was carried out by Bell Mortuary and Crematory. Celebration of Life to be held later in 2011. Youngest of 8 siblings: Charles, Mabel died in infancy, Lillian died in infancy, Robert, Freeman, Clifford Givans, Edna Jayne Jake Givans Greene. Nephew Charles Lee Givans also raised with the brothers and sisters as were other relatives during the Depression years. Raised by William Seeman who married Mabel Givans in 1936 following the death of Mr. Givans in 1930 during the Depression. This time frame and parents set the stage for Reno's frugality through her entire life and never being in debt beyond her means. Lorean was mother to Merri Jayne Andivan-Anderson Gary Sowder and Daniel Lee Cronley dec. 1991and raised her great niece Tara A. Greene from age 10 and Great-great niece Athena Neace age 12 from infancy as her "Granny." Was also Granny to Alaysia Greene, age 3, who loved her very much. Tara claimed Reno as her Mom knowing she was the one who loved and protected her when the need arose. Reno stood in for Jake who passed away in 1986 at age 58. Reno never got over missing her sister, but raised her grandchild as if she were her own. Reno was the last survivor of her siblings and passed away at the age of 81 after a brief illness on December 29, 2010 just before dawn, having made her own decisions and executed her wishes to her daughter Merri who followed them with regret, but realization that Reno would not want to live dependent on artificial means of support and without personal freedom of movement and spirit. She was living alone after Athena changed schools, drove daily and managed her household, finances and life on her own terms, until sudden infections attacked and left her unaware of her surroundings and loved ones. She had been honored with a surprise 80th birthday party in 2009 by her loving Rike Family relatives which meant so much to her and her children, with many, many thanks. She lived as an independent, strong-willed, woman who taught the hard life lessons she had learned to her children as best she could. She worked for many employers including the Civil Service at Camp Atterbury during WWII and the last career being in front office medical positions for several private practices and Metro Health Plan. Even in retirement, she worked new jobs to keep active and bring in a little to help her small pension stretch. She and her sister "Jake" lived together in a blended family from 1957 to 1967, renting many homes in Indianapolis, mostly in Haughville, then buying a home of their own in Eagledale. They were as successful as any traditional family, buying new cars, property in the country and raising 3 kids without fathers in the household, yet who received many opportunities to grow. Danny became a musical prodigy as well as testing with genius level intelligence before he was struck down with bipolar disorder at 17 years of age. Reno took care of him as if he were still a child, doing all she could for him. He passed away of natural causes on January 10, 1991, having lived 17 years with the devastating condition. Five years before that, Tara had come into Reno's household giving her someone to devote herself to until Athena was born in 1998, making her estatically happy. Alaysia followed in 2007 and though Reno couldn't keep up with the toddler, she enjoyed keeping her often, though she was worn out after only a short stay. Her increasing loss of hearing kept her more isolated than her personality would have wished, especially in the past year. Merri credits her mother with making her the kind of person she is today by teaching her not to be quiet when there was a need to be outspoken or to stand by and do nothing when she might have a positive effect on her local community by taking a position or advocating for needed improvement, seeing that everyone has something of value to offer. She didn't tell Merri what to do well, maybe she did, she showed her how to live. Reno had many characteristics that will be remembered forever by friends and family. Not all of her actions and opinions were completely endearing, but she was accepted and respected for her force of personality and gestures of kindness and compassion to and for many for whom she cared deeply. She will be loved and remembered fondly by all who knew her as a grounded individual who rose to the challenges placed before her. Reno loved the Colts much to the surprise of many, the ocean or other bodies of water, her family, redbirds and wildflowers. In lieu of flowers, in her honor, please plant a garden, do a kindness to others and love your family with all your heart, as she did. Donations may be made in her memory to Living Water Ministry, hearing loss organizations, pet rescue organizations or to the Rike Family Homeless Dinner program administered by Reno's nieces with a hot dinner every month for downtown Indy homeless folks. Words can never express all the memories that are held as the only reminders now of her long life, but a "memory" book is being composed which anyone who is inclined may contribute and bring to her memorial on January 9, 2011 at Living Water Ministry 1651 E. Minnesota Street at 1 PM Sunday. Pastor Rick Garrett, Reno's nephew will preside. Contact Merri at 317-241-9647 for info on a future Celebration of Life when the weather turns warm. Reno hated snow and cold, so we'll wait till it is nice to scatter her ashes in places she loved or would have loved if she'd had the chance to visit. We wish to deeply thank all who prayed for Reno and her family during her illness and all who were involved in her care at Clarian West Hospital and Clarian Hospice including the unknown volunteers who knit comforting shawls to protect the dying and all who were compassionate and supportive to us while she fought her last battle. These acts sustained us and will continue as we learn to live without her in our lives, but always in our hearts. The Family of Lorean A. Givans