Midge Renton

Arden Midge Renton, 88, of Grants Pass, died May 27, 2023. 

Born on June 11, 1934 in Oakland, CA to Adolph and Mildred Eichenbaum, Midge (as she was known as) grew up in San Francisco, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1952 before matriculating to University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated in 1956 with a degree in Elementary Education and met her future husband, Bill Renton.

Bill and Midge were married in January 1957 and initially settled in Los Angeles before moving back to the Bay Area, settling in Belmont and rearing 3 sons (David, Daniel, & Dennis).

Because of work, Bill was transferred and the family moved to Grants Pass in 1966 to the house on Midland, where Midge resided in the same house until the last few months prior to her death.

As a life-long educator, Midge began substitute teaching in Grants Pass and Josephine County (ne Three Rivers) school districts 1971, before becoming a fill-time teacher at Manzanita Elementary in 1974.  After earning her Master Degree in Education Administration from the University of Oregon, Midge moved on to become an elementary school principal, first at Merlin Elementary, then Fort Vannoy Elementary, where she remained until her retirement in 1996.

Upon her retirement, Midge and Bill remained active in the community over the next 20+ years and traveled extensively all over the United States and the world.

Memberships include Rotary (past president), Rogue Community College Board (past President), 4-Way Community Foundation, AAUW, PEO, plus numerous other organizations.

Amongst all of her volunteer work with her membership organizations, Midge was most proud of her work with Rogue Community College and the Rogue Community College Foundation.  As a founding RCC Board member, the college has held as special place in her heart during her 40+ years of association.  Some have suggested there would not be a Rogue Community College without Midge being involved.

During her retirement years, Midge continued working in education, mentoring high school students at North Valley about continuing on to college and choosing the best path, often with option of attending community college.

Hobbies included gardening, cooking, travelling, reading, Rogue “River Woman”, skiing, wine tasting, volunteering/community involvement, Women’s Investment Group (WIGS), schnauzer dogs, cross-word puzzles, Oregon Duck football.

Survivors include her Children David A. Renton (married to Lisa Renton) of Grants Pass, OR, Daniel A. Renton (partnered to Laura Pettit) of Heisson, WA, Dennis A. Renton (married to Jennifer Renton) of Wyoming, MI; grandchildren William Renton & Patrick Renton (David), Phillip Renton & Hannah Renton (Daniel), Emily Santoni & Rebecca Renton (Dennis). Preceded in death by William L. Renton (died April 2016) (married 59 years).

Remembrance Gathering 12 noon, Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the Rogue Community College Auditorium.

Please consider making a memorial contribution to the Rogue Community College Foundation.