Relen D. Pickard

Although some view being a wife and mother to be mundane work with little reward, nothing could be further from the truth in the mind of Relen Pickard as she viewed these roles to be both her highest calling and greatest blessing. She never concerned herself with the things of this world, rather, she made it her mission to selflessly nurture countless others within her reach. Guided by her unwavering faith. Relen lived a life filled with abundant grace, compassion, and thoughtful consideration. The matriarch of her family, she was overjoyed to welcome grandchildren into her heart as they were the light of her life. Life will never be the same without Relen here, but her legacy will be carried on by those who follow her. The colorful decade of the 1950s was filled with numerous noteworthy events that transformed the cultural fabric of our nation. Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis introduced us to rock n roll, televisions were becoming part of our living rooms in record numbers, and when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus the civil rights movement gained tremendous momentum. Amidst this vibrant time a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was filled with unspeakable joy as they announced the birth of their baby girl on April 9th. Relen D. was the oldest of four children, and the only girl, born to her parents, Robert and Norma Jean (Frentner) Pickard, weighing in at six pounds and nine ounces. She was raised in the family home alongside her brothers, Dwayne, Rick, and Randy, and her parents both worked as teachers. In many ways Relen experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. She was nearly inseparable from her Uncle Jack who even taught Relen her first word, and it was not a word her parents were excited for her to repeat! She was a Girl Scout who could often be found with her good friend, Deb. Family time was of the utmost importance in the Pickard family, and some of their favorite memories were made on camping trips up to Tahquamenon Falls. Their annual family tradition was to spend Thanksgiving at their Grandma Frentners together, and they also looked forward to ice cream Sunday as a family. Relen attended Reeths Puffer Schools where she volunteered in the high school library. She also worked at the Whippy Dip by the Muskegon State Park, and she was so proud to use her earnings to take her family on a trip to Canada and also to fix the family cat. Relen went on to graduate from Reeths Puffer High School in 1972. Not to be forgotten during her years as a high school student was Relens introduction to the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Edward (Pikaart) Pickard, and they were set up to go to the prom together by the high school librarian and a school counselor. Sparks flew that night, and they have been together ever since. With a desire to build a life together, Relen and Edward were married on September 22, 1973, in Muskegon. Together they were blessed to welcome three sons into their hearts and home, Paul in 1974, Ken in 1977, and Steve in 1979. Relen stayed home to raise their sons, and she was also a foster parent to some nieces during a time of need. Being a wife and mother seemed to be roles that were tailor made just for Relen as she made caring for her husband and children seem effortless. She was selfless and loving toward her boys and would do anything for them. Relen was always there for them when they needed a listening ear, and she was willing to help them in any way she could as well. One such occasion was when Paul twisted his ankle while sledding, which left Relen to head out in the snow on foot to load him in the sled and pull him all the way home. It was a family tradition to take their children to the Wisconsin Dells playing board games, and on Christmas Eve they always had everyone over for a big dinner complete with presents and white elephant gifts. The family also took memorable camping trips to state parks, and on one occasion they were caught in a downpour when the tents were washed away while they were sleeping, leaving the raccoons to have a great time with all their food. Relen was known to wake everyone up for a two mile walk at a quick pace where there were no rest breaks either. A bit later in life she went kayaking with Ken, and she had a great time despite repeatedly getting stuck in all the trees. Walking on the beach with her husband was another favorite, even when they got caught in a downpour. Relen loved being a mother, but she just may have argued that nothing compared to being a grandmother. She adored her six grandchildren and loved spending as much time as she could with them, frequently making crafts together. Although being with her family was most important, Relens life was enriched in other ways, too. She treasured the friendship of her friend, Kathy, whom she met at church 25 years ago. Relen also made many special friends while living on military bases in New Jersey, Kansas, and Washington while her husband was in the military for eight years. She was an active member at her church, Christ Community Congregational Church, where she taught Sunday school and was a board member. Relen also enjoyed bowling and appreciated the companionship of her cats and dogs through the years. A gentle, kind, and fun-loving woman, Relen Pickard was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She cherished her family more than anything on this side of heaven and lived to make the lives of her friends and loved ones easier in ways both great and small. Relen will be dearly missed while her memory remains forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of those she leaves behind. Relen D. Pickard died on Thursday, March 14, 2013. Relens family includes her husband, Edward; sons, E. Paul (Candy Jo) Pickard of Muskegon, Ken (Kim) Beebe of Muskegon, Steve (Jennifer) Pickard all of Muskegon; grandchildren, Emily Pickard, Jade Pickard, Lauren Beebe, Cloey Beebe, Austin Pickard, Destiny Pickard; parents, Robert & Norma Jean Pickard of Muskegon; brothers, Randy (Dixie) Pickard of CA, Dwayne Pickard of Montague; long time friend, Kathy DeGroot. Relen was preceded in death by her brother, Rick. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 12:00 p.m. at Christ Community Congregational Church with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating. Visit with Relens family and friends on Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon and Wednesday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials can be made to Mercy VNS & Hospice or American Cancer Society. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.