Renee Cunkle

Renee Cunkle, 102, a long-time Ogden resident, passed away peacefully at The Lodge at North Ogden early the morning of June 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born in Toulon, France, the daughter of Charles and Emilie Herriou Boga, Renee was the eldest of two daughters, and was raised and educated in France. As a child she spent her idyllic childhood attending Catholic Mass and building memories on the beaches of Normandy. She loved swimming and boating and bicycling around the countryside and did so until the war broke out. 

Renee met her future husband, US Army Officer Charles Cunkle, in 1947. Charles was smitten with her beauty and stopped her on the street in his jeep and offered to take her to coffee. The rest was history. 

They were married on January 20, 1949, in Stuttgart, Germany. Renee and her daughter, Myriam were able to come to the United States with him in October of that year. A devoted mother and homemaker, Renee followed Charles all over the United States throughout his professional career, living in Louisiana, Missouri, Idaho, California, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Utah, Pennsylvania, and Kansas, ultimately retiring to and settling in South Ogden. 

In 1951, Donald Lyle joined the family, and in 1956, Glen Thomas came along. Renee and Charles loved walking and cycling and swimming together, gardening, and other pursuits, such as traveling. Renee also enjoyed music, sewing, and reading. She volunteered at the Hill Air Force Base Thrift Shop for over 20 years. 

Renee will be remembered for her cheerful disposition, her private and guarded nature, her absolute love of babies and children and her gentle and kind nature with them. Renee was stubborn – you don’t make it to 102 without being somewhat focused. She was independent and to the very end a real survivor. She endured so much and learned so much along the way. 

In later life Renee enjoyed yelling at the TV with her glass of wine, perhaps a part of her French heritage. She continued pursuing her love of gardening until 101 years of age, but her real passion was her family. 

Renee is survived by her legacy, her daughter, Myriam C. Vogel, North Ogden; sons, Don (Yvonne) Cunkle, Traverse City, MI; Glen (Lynne Muth) Cunkle, Royal Oak, MI; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Renee was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Charles on December 19, 1998; by grandson, Rodney Vogel on June 6, 1985, and by her sister, Jeanne Boga, in November of 1999.  

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to The Lodge in North Ogden and Hospice for her care. 

Private services will be held by family at a later date.  Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.