Raygena Dixie Klaaren Garringer

Williamsburg-Raygena Dixie Klaaren Garringer was born May 26, 1953 in Ottumwa, Iowa.  "The Lovely and Vivacious Raygena Garringer," was the daughter of James Lee and Florence Alice (Lowry) Klaaren.  She graduated from Eddyville High School and received her B.A. in Music Education from The University of Northern Iowa.  Raygena was united in marriage to Michael “Chip” Garringer on September 2, 1989 at her family farm in Eddyville.  Former residences include Eddyville, Marengo, and North English, Iowa. Since 1991 she resided in Williamsburg.  She worked for Whirlpool in Amana for over 30 years, and retired in 2007.  Raygena was a devoted collector of Currier & Ives Dinnerware, Barbie Dolls, Hallmark Christmas ornaments, Little Golden Books, and music boxes.  Throughout her life she enjoyed crossword puzzles, computer games, playing the clarinet, caning chairs, crocheting, researching family genealogy, and spending time with her family. She also took pride in decorating her home for the holidays, and enjoyed putting up over 25 themed Christmas trees throughout the house each year. 

She was a member and held leadership roles for a number of organizations including, PEO, The American Legion Auxiliary, Beta Sigma Phi, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sigma Alpha Iota, The Rebecca’s, and Sweet Adelines. She used her passion for genealogy by being active in several lineage societies, including Colonial Dames XVII Century, Daughters of American Colonists, Daughters of Colonial Wars, Daughters of Indian Wars, Daughters of 1812, Colonial Dames of America, National Society of the Dames of the Court of Honor,  National Society of New England Women, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, First Families of Ohio, First Families of Conneticuit, Daughters of the Union, Society of the Descendants of the Colonial Clergy, National Society Descendents of Early Quakers, Daughters of the British Empire, Society of the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge, and Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic.

 Raygena passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 in her home at the age of 70 years. She is survived by her "long suffering husband" Chip; two daughters, Raychael (Karl) Baresel and their son Samuel of Williamsburg and Michaella (Zach) Zimmerman of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, Jim Klaaren of Cedar Rapids and Steve (Kathy) Klaaren of Ladora; a sister, Ellen (Morris) Wubbels of New Sharon; a half-brother, Larry (Teresa) Miller of New Sharon, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved feline companions, Bettee and Sallee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and step father Bobby D. Miller as well as her mother and father in law John F. and Mary Etheldene Garringer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 am Monday, August 21, 2023 at Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. A lunch will follow after the service. A visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 pm Sunday, August 20, 2023 at the Powell Funeral Home. A Graveside service will be 2:00 pm Monday, August 21, 2023 at Bluff Creek Cemetery in rural Eddyville, Iowa. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for Raygena and her family.