Loretta Marie (Lemler) Cheyne

July 24th, 2023, Loretta (Reta) Marie Cheyne, 86, of Klamath Falls, OR, passed peacefully at home with her beloved husband Jim, daughter Janelle and son-in-law Scott by her side. 

Reta was welcomed into heaven by her Savior Jesus where she was reunited with her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Isabel Lemler; son, Jimmy; and grandson Taylor Fenters.

Reta will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 65 years Jim; sister Arlene Trottman, brother Chris Lemler, daughter and son-in-law Janelle and Scott Fenters; grandchildren Scotty Fenters, Amy Ferguson, and Jordan Fenters; and her 6 great grandchildren.

Born March 20th, 1937 to Elmer and Isabel Lemler, in Klamath Falls, OR. Reta was raised with her 2 siblings Arlene and Chris, Reta was the middle child. She was close with her siblings throughout her life. She graduated from Merrill High School in 1955. She then went on to attended SOC and Oregon State. 

Reta and Jim married in 1958 and farmed in Klamath County for a few years, before moving to Redwood City, CA. While in Redwood City they welcomed their two children Jimmy and Janelle. Jim and Reta started J.C. Cheyne Inc. produce company in South San Francisco. Reta showed compassion and strength by raising her two children, and supporting her son Jimmy through his health issues. Reta did all of this while managing the books for their still successful business. After 19 years in northern  California, they moved back to the Klamath Basin, where they built a home and continued to raise their family, and build the family business. 

Reta enjoyed bowling, golf,  traveling, puzzles, gardening, and playing cards with friends. Reta will always be remembered for the relationships she built with others. She especially loved listening to teens and young adults. Never judging, always listening, and providing guidance and support during those crucial years. Reta’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved them all and taught them the meaning of unconditional love. She made a point to attend many of her grandchildren’s school and sporting activities, supporting each one and cheering them on in everything they did. She made them feel special, always positive, always encouraging.

Arrangements will be made through Davenport’s Chapel of the Good Shepherd. A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Merrill IOOF Cemetery, OR 39, Merrill, OR, officiated by Corey Lemke. There will be a lunch following the service at the Merrill Civic Center, 365 W Front St, Merrill, OR.

Memorial donations can be sent to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.

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