Rena Haynes, age 69, of Volga passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Ava's House in Sioux Falls.  Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Bible Baptist Church in Brookings.  Burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN, at a later date.

Rena Haynes was born on February 4, 1954, to Dewey and Florence (Sanders) Haynes in Tennessee.  She attained both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Mississippi State University, her undergrad being in Math and Economics, and her graduate studies culminating in Computer Sciences.  Rena was very proficient in math, a skill passed down from her father.  After completing grad school in 1984, Rena moved to Albuquerque, NM to pursue her next great adventure.  In 1985, Rena was united in marriage to David Harris.

Throughout her life, Rena loved animals.  In her younger years, her family had a number of dogs, in grad school, Rena enjoyed having cats, and later in her life she pursued her interest in horses.   Not only did Rena enjoyed riding, but she also worked to perfect her skills in dressage riding.  In later years Rena also became involved in horse rescue work.  Rena will also be remembered as a very fine cook.

Although Rena faced many health challenges, she was never one to complain.  She was incredibly courageous, strong-willed, and intelligent.

Rena is survived by her husband, David Harris, of Volga, SD; her siblings: Dr. Paula Grant, of Chattanooga, TN, Mark Haynes, of Allen, TX, John Haynes, of Cordova, TN, Brother-in-law, Dr. James Harris, of Seattle, WA, sisters-in-law: Virginia Hammond, of Lakewood, CO, and Susan Groth, of Bloomington, MN;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Dewey Haynes, and her mother, Florence Hayne.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Bible Baptist Church of Brookings.