Renee Georgine Bean

Renee Georgine (Van Valkenburg) Bean passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024, following a brief illness, at the age of eighty. Her husband Tom was by her side.

Renee was born in Oakland, CA on March 31, 1943 to George and Doris Van Valkenburg. She grew up in San Leandro, CA and was the oldest of six children.

While attending Santa Rosa Junior College, Renee met and fell in love with Russel Brown. Russel then began his career with CDF and the newlyweds moved to Ukiah. Shortly after, they welcomed their oldest son, Peter. Three years later, they welcomed David. Russ and Renee were married for 20 years. Renee was a proud mother and homemaker while her boys were growing up. Her sons were her pride and joy.

In her forties, Renee went back to work. She loved her job in the accounts payable department of Fetzer Vineyards, initially in Redwood Valley then later in Hopland, CA. Many lifelong friendships were made during her 30+ year career.

On June 11, 1993, Renee married Tom Bean Sr. and gained two stepchildren, Angie and Tom Jr. Tom and Renee resided in Redwood Valley, Ca for over 30 years. Renee found great joy in gardening, being able to identify and grow almost any plant. Her yard was constantly filled with lovely flowers.  She loved the beauty she found in nature, especially in her own backyard. She and Tom spent countless hours there admiring the view of vineyards, mountains, wide open skies, stars, wildlife, and sunsets. Their home was always an oasis for Renee’s brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, who would gather under the oak tree, surrounded by her beloved vineyards.

Renee cherished her family with all of her heart. They all knew how much they were loved, without a doubt. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Renee was a strong woman of faith. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Ukiah. More recently, Renee became a member of Crossroads Christian Church in Ukiah.

Renee was predeceased by her parents, first husband Russel Brown, brother Tom Van Valkenburg, and sister Hazel Machado. She is survived by her husband Tom Bean Sr., sons Peter (Megan) Brown and David (Dara) Brown, stepdaughter Angie Goodwin, stepson Tom (Jennifer) Bean Jr., grandson Andrew (Samantha) Brown and two great grandchildren Julianna and Forrest Brown. Through marriage, Renee is also survived by seven additional grandchildren; Tyler and Brandon Bean, Madison (Nick) Wickman, Mitchell and Marcus Goodwin, Scott Spears and Monica (Sawyer) Hawkyard. As well as two great grandchildren, Lucas Wickman and Rhiannon Hawkyard. Brother Chuck (Renee) Van Valkenburg, Sisters Deb (Phillip) Asack and Cheryl Needham. Also surviving Renee are her many cherished nieces and nephews: John, Pam, Josh, Jennifer, Matt, Erin, Jacob, Zack, Paul, Katie, Melissa, Amber, Victor, Kerry, Kathryn, Jeff, and many beloved great nieces and nephews.  She also leaves behind her dear friend of over fifty years, Carol Dockins. She will be dearly missed by all, including her loyal dog Blue Duck and her beautiful cat Duffy.

For anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in Renee’s name, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to:

The Crossroads Christian Church (building/moving fund to Trinity Baptist Church)

PO Box 1533

Ukiah, Ca 95482

Per Renee’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. If you would like to receive service information in the future, please email your contact information to reneebeancelebration@gmail.com