Reona Hartlen

COLEBROOK – Reona J Hartlen, 79, of Colebrook, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Coös County Nursing Hospital in West Stewartstown, with her close family by her side hours before her passing. Reona was born in West Stewartstown on August 3,1944, the first daughter of Evelyn and Kelsea Hartlen. She was well known for her unique beehive hairstyle, her sense of humor, her big heart and love of flower gardening. She had a huge collection of ceramic and pewter dragons, which she displayed with pride in her home. Reona was also known for her fabulous cooking, especially her “Famous” mashed potatoes, homemade baked beans and cinnamon rolls. In her younger years, she worked at the Wilderness Restaurant making homemade donuts and pastries, as well as waitressing at the Colebrook Restaurant (known in the day as the” Beer Parlor”). After ending her career at the Colebrook Restaurant, she went to work at Tillotson Rubber Company for more than 30 years. Once the rubber company closed its doors, Reona went to work for Granite State Independent Living (GSIL), from which she retired ten years later to take care of the love of her life, Lyford Parker Sr. Reona was known as a social butterfly, no matter where she went. She would host large parties for family and friends, where she always had a Kahlua Sombrero drink in her hand. She was often heard saying, “The loneliest sound in the world,” referring to the sound her straw made when she reached the end of her drink. She enjoyed riding her Honda Silver Wing motorcycle with Lyford and several friends. Reona is survived by one daughter, Amanda Parker, and favorite grandson Dagan Parker; five siblings—Donald (Rita) Hartlen, Patty (Tink) Clark, Juanita ”Peanut” (Richard) Eastman, Judy (Luc Riendeau) Reynolds, and Michelle (Pete) Lassonde; a step-daughter and special friend, Tamie Marsh (Brian Ladd); two granddaughters, Rhiannon Wilkie (and great-grandchildren, Dawson, Deniyah, Anesha and Collin), and Collette (Todd Martel and Leahana Haynes) Marsh, who she lovingly referred to as “my favorite granddaughter”; a step-son, Lyford Parker Jr.; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends, including her very special and dear friend, Harvey “Slugger” (Kathi) Raymond. She was predeceased by both parents, her sister Debbie Bickford, and two step-children, Tim Parker and Tina “Tweety” Parker; and in 2020, the love of her life for more than 44 years, Lyford Parker Sr. At Reona’s request, there will be no services. She will be privately interred in the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Reona, and her sister Debbie Bickford, may be made to the Two Rivers Relief for Cancer, P.O. Box 376, Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Reona Hartlen

August 3, 1944 - April 17, 2024