Funeral services celebrating the life of Rowena “Rena” Rachal will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2020, in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers, Pineville with Reverend Walter Ajaero officiating. Rena passed from this life on Friday, October 23, 2020. Burial will follow at Rachal Cemetery, in Marco, La. Visitation will be observed at the funeral home on Sunday, October 25, 2020, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and resume on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Pallbearers honored to serve will include grandsons Matt Rachal, Justin Rachal, Tyler Rachal, Zachary Rachal, Jacob Rachal, and Parker Rachal. Honorary pallbearers are Chica Rachal Perot and Otis Paul Rachal. Rowena “Rena” Rachal was born on April 1,1938, on the beautiful “Big Island” of Hawaii. She was raised on the Big Island, running through the island with her five sisters and three brothers. It was during this time that she learned to climb the coconut trees, pick mango fruit, dive off the cliffs, swim in the ocean, play the ukulele, and dance the Hula. She was truly an exquisite Hawaiian beauty who caught the eye of a Louisiana-born, U.S. Army service member, while on a double-date with her big sister, Violet. It was love at first sight – according to our Dad! Rena was the heart and soul of a large and loving family that was blessed to have been led by the best team that God could have planted on this earth – our Dad, Eugene “Gene” Rachal and Mom. Together, they taught their kids to love, cherish, and respect each other. Rena is survived by her brothers and sister; Royden Burke, Donald Burke and Pat (Burke) Miller; children and spouses; Louis and Jacquie Rachal, Murphy and Krista Rachal, Victor and Shirley Rachal, Eugene and Sherry Rachal, Steve and Jessica Rachal, and Charles and Shawn (Rachal) Perot; and grandchildren / spouses; Matthew and Candice Rachal , Lauren (Rachal) and Aaron Torres, Veronika, Olivia, Justin and Krystal Rachal, Tyler and Hanna Rachal, Zachary, Jacob, Elizabeth, and Parker; and great grandchildren; Kylie, Lia, Gunner, Harper; Jackson; Hunter, Gabe, Ava, Tucker, and Jesse and a multitude of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Rena is preceded in death by her parents, Solomon and Victoria Burke, by brothers Sam Burke, and Douglas Burke, sisters Marjorie Spencer, Henrietta Hina, Violet Foster, Margaret Chun, and her loving husband, Eugene Rachal. After getting married in Oahu, Hawaii, now an Army spouse, Rena followed her husband to Fort Ord, California, where they planted the Rachal family flag and began to raise the roughest, toughest, and mischievous band of brothers. During this time through Gene’s service in the Army and Rena’s service as an Army spouse, they became an American team that exemplified the phrase, "The Greatest Generation," as coined by Tom Brokaw. When it came time to re-enlist, Gene felt the call of the country. Rena and Gene decided to retire from the Army and move to Louisiana. In a home with five boys, Rena realized that she needed to take a crash course in cooking. It was during this time that she became the best cook in the state of Louisiana. She learned to perfect squirrel gumbo, rabbit gumbo, bird gumbo, rice and gravy, tater salad, macaroni salad, meat pockets, four-layer delight, and on and on. Yet, something was missing. So, with a twinkle in her eye, she smiled at dad, and finally, a daughter was born. Her name was Shawn Leihuanani Rachal, and Rena and daughter became best friends, confidantes, and soul mates. Rena’s influence on the family continued to grow through her love and mentorship to her grandchildren. MawMaw had an individual relationship with each of her grandchildren, making each one feel as if they were her favorite – and they were. She loved unconditionally and taught all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to do the same. She was the best of all of us. The family would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to Ashley Franks, Shannon Malone, The Oaks Care Center, and All Saints Hospice.