In Loving Memory of Regena Lynn (Stephenson) Kenney Tinklepaugh

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Regena Lynn (Stephenson) Kenney Tinklepaugh, lovingly known as Gena, on July 20, 2026, just six days after celebrating her 77th birthday.

Gena was born in Columbia, South Carolina, but lived most of her life between Missouri and Florida. Gena returned to Missouri several times throughout her life before ultimately making Cape Coral, Florida, her home. No matter where she lived, she brought warmth, determination, and an unmistakable spark to everyone around her.

For nearly five decades, Gena dedicated her career to helping others navigate the insurance industry. Whether working for a global insurance company or a small hometown agency, she served every client with compassion, integrity, and genuine care. When she wasn’t working in insurance, she found another way to help people feel their best as a certified bra fitter, bringing confidence and comfort to countless women.

Gena embraced life with creativity and enthusiasm. She had a gift for making beautiful things, whether tending to her beloved plants and garden, creating intricate beaded jewelry, designing handmade cards, or preserving treasured memories through scrapbooking. She loved getting lost in a good book while soaking up the sunshine to maintain her perfect tan. She never left the house without an abundance of accessories, her signature lashes, and, of course, her cowboy boots.

She loved to dance, sing karaoke, shop, and strike up conversations wherever she went. Gena never met a stranger and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to someone in need. She lived life on her own terms, refusing to let obstacles slow her down. Her Southern warmth, fierce independence, and no-nonsense strength made her truly one of a kind.

Gena’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly survived by her three children, Gary Kenney Jr. (Mary Blevins), Jessica (Allan) Seruchar, and Sarah (Jacob) Kunkle; her six cherished grandchildren, Devin (Sam), Bree (Alec), Landon, Tucker, Zoriah, and Saylor; and her three treasured great-grandchildren, Lydia, KB, and Lyle. She is also survived by her sisters, Karen Stanley and Lori Williams.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Georgia Stephenson, and her brother, Jeffrey Stephenson.

Those fortunate enough to know Gena will forever remember her laughter, generosity, resilience, and larger-than-life personality. She had a way of making people feel welcome, loved, and capable of taking on the world. Fittingly, she often ended her handmade cards with the words that perfectly captured her spirit:

“AML KATN” —

“All My Love, Kick ass and take names.”

Those words will continue to inspire everyone who loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Iona House at Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33905. The first hour, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., will be reserved for close family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider sending a favorite plant in Gena’s memory—a living reminder of the beauty, love, and care she cultivated throughout her life.

Though she will be deeply missed, Gena’s love, strength, creativity, and unforgettable spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.