Rena J. Hamm

Danville – Rena Jean Hamm, 76, a lifelong resident of Danville, passed away at her home after a long illness on Sunday, April 12, 2026. She married Walter C. Hamm on July 5, 2002, in Danville. He survives.

Also surviving are two children, Nathan (Rimi) Bantz of Sasebo, Japan and Natalee (George) Wolf of Danville; four grandchildren, Saine, Saina, Saiya, and Saala Bantz; four siblings, Brenda (Ed) Dwiggins of Danville, Charlene (Michael) Snedeker of Danville, Virgil “Lennie” (Sherry) Tutwiler, Jr. of Georgetown, Lorraine “Lorie” Tutwiler of Danville, and half-brother Raymond (Janet) Tutwiler of Fishers, IN; aunt, June Poynter Summers of Maggie Valley, NC, and an uncle, Ronald Davis of Fairmount; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and Harriet, her beloved canine companion for the past fourteen years.

She was preceded in death by her parents Virgil L. Tutwiler Sr. and Jennette I. Tutwiler, former husband, Dan Bantz, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Rena was a 1968 graduate of Danville High School and began her career working in retail. Once her children were born, she became a full-time stay-at-home mom to care for them. Rena took the opportunity to return to retail work when her children left home and took on many housekeeping clients as well. Her own home remained a top priority as Rena was well-known as an impeccable housekeeper in which she took great pride. Each holiday season she gave special care in decorating the house for Christmas, inside and out.

Rena was an “old soul” at heart, decorating her entire home in vintage 1950’s décor. The framed word “nostalgia” on the living room wall perfectly describes her home. She was excellent at crafting and her love of days past contributed to her passion for antique shopping. Oak furniture was her specialty, and Rena became a master of refinishing these pieces, which was her favorite pastime. When she wasn’t directly involved with a project, she could often be found watching an old movie, with John Wayne being one of her favorites. One of Rena’s greatest thrills was the opportunity to attend a Beatles concert in Chicago and still has a cherished set of the original bobbleheads of the band issued in the early 60’s.

She may also be known by some for her sense of humor or quick wit or even her lifelong dedication to Pepsi, but Rena’s true love was her family. She loved the time she spent with her daughter and son and took special care of the birthday and holiday meals she prepared for her daughter and son-in-law. Rena remained close with her sisters and would engage in long-late night phone calls with her sister Lorie and loved getting breakfast (her favorite meal) with her sister, Brenda. Of course, Rena’s favorite aunt, Mackie Davis, was often in attendance or on the other end of the phone line as well. Although Rena did not enjoy traveling, she still loved the day trips she, her sisters, and her sister-in-law Sherry would take. And, when not spending time with the girls, Rena liked to get out on the dance floor for line and square dancing with her husband.

Per her wishes, Rena will be cremated with a graveside service to be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Danville National Cemetery in Danville, IL. Rev. Keela Neumann will officiate. There will be a funeral luncheon following the graveside service for family and friends at Central Christian Church 1101 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834, has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the OSF Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Care Center, 806 N. Logan Ave., Danville, IL 61832.

Please join Rena’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.