Tina Loritta Ehrenfeld was born on October 8, 1961 in Reedsville, Pennsylvania, one cold Sunday morning just after the ambulance went over the railroad tracks (true story). She was the third daughter of Jess and Shirley Ehrenfeld, and sister to Ann, Chana, Jay, Mark and Gary.
Most of Tina’s childhood was spent in Satanta, Kansas, and when she was in eighth grade, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri. Tina was a member of the Kickapoo High class of 1980, and participated in band.
Tina became a mother to Joshua in May of 1983. He was the love of her life. A single mother, she devoted her life to her son.
Tina was a free spirit, and one always knew where she stood. From the beginning, she would drive all of us crazy with her outspokenness. She had a very giving heart and would literally give whatever she had to those in need.
She loved eagles, and spent many years of her life watching and caring for them. She supported the Institute for Wildlife Services in California and went to Catalina Island to observe and further learn about these majestic creatures. She was honored when she was asked to name an eaglet. She and I would spar good-naturedly every eagle season because any time an eagle lands on one of my cell towers, we must stop work until after the eaglets fledged.
She was very good at crochet and she would crochet afghans, blankets, etc. for friends and family. The last afghan she crocheted for me was a challenge for her, as she had to use a new technique. I will treasure it always. She absolutely loved crocheting baby blankets.
The birth of her grandson, Solomon, brought unbridled joy to her. She loved that baby more than we will ever know and her voice was full of love and pride whenever she spoke of him. I know Joshua and Mary are sad that Solomon will grow up never to know his paternal grandmother, but I know she will watch over him from above.
Tina spent the last years of her life caring for our aging parents. She shouldered the burden all by herself, and there were many, many times she would be highly stressed out. I planned to take her on a week-long trip to Disney World in March 2017 so she could relax and have some fun. Sadly, she will never make that trip.
Tina was sicker than she let on to anyone, including me. When she passed away last week, we were all in shock. We still can’t wrap our heads around the fact she is gone. I will always treasure her last Facebook post to me, even though at the time I was a little irritated because in her characteristic way, there was just a little dig.
Tina led life to the fullest – she came into the world bouncing over a set of railroad tracks and left this world like a freight train. She leaves behind a grieving family and many, many friends. We know that she is at peace with her Lord and Savior and we will see her again one day. That brings us great comfort.