Renee E. Box

The Life of Renee Box, written by her Family

Renee Box was born into the world in High River, Alberta, Canada, on November 26th, 2001. She was deeply loved from the start by her father and mother, Daren and Beth, along with her honorary Canadian parents, Bob and Sharon Lainchbury, who claimed her as “their Canadian girl” and never let her forget the special bond with her northern roots. She was unique from the beginning and spent her early childhood years with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop for her playful imagination and many family adventures. Renee made everyone laugh from the start with her white “stick-uppy-hair” and her “scary-face” tactics. Family and friends who knew her can recall many stories of a brightly blonde, adorable, bobbed-haired girl bouncing into any space, ready to love life and everyone in it. She was a vibrant creature, and Renee’s true gift was her flair for life and humor, which brought so many people joy. Renee was the younger sister of Eric and Laura, and when the youngest, Jenna, was born, our complete Box family moved to Nebraska. It was there, in Nebraska City, that we found home.

Lourdes was where Renee spent her elementary years all the way through her graduation in 2020. Every teacher who had the joy of Renee in their classroom felt it. She was a genuinely great kid who also had the capacity for clever orneryness. From an early age, Renee sought to achieve academic success and was known for being smart, hilarious, and so kind. She cared deeply for all of her classmates and is remembered for being able to get along with anyone. Renee was easy to love, and she made everyone feel involved and included, especially in her role as class president. Some of the best memories of her time at Lourdes include her acting skills displayed early in her elementary school roles, but most especially her legendary performance as Flounder in the high school spring musical, where many agree her cute and bright energy radiated from the stage. While us Box kids enjoyed excelling in our respective activities, one thing Renee never let her siblings forget was that she was our family’s only state champion. Her sophomore year, she took first in the entertainment category for her speech on “Vegetable Abuse.” Again, Renee’s humor was so evident, so unique, and brought so much joy.

Renee loved being outdoors and hiking, and she often talked about a summer geology field course that she considered a turning point in her life’s interests. At the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Renee’s favorite laboratory class, Virus Hunting, came during her first semester, and her passion for genetic sequencing and research was ignited. Through her introduction to bacteriophage, she developed a sincere interest in the way science helps explain the world around us. She also studied at UNL’s Ogallala field research classrooms and would excitedly share how much she enjoyed learning about the Earth, nature, bugs, and rocks. It was always a joy to hear about her curious adventures. Once again in college, Renee connected old friends and new, founded a genetics counseling student club, cultivated special relationships with research professors, and learned so much. Her academic excellence and love for learning were part of who she was, and she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science with high distinction, received a Chancellor’s Scholar Award for her perfect GPA, and accomplished all of this within three years, graduating in May of 2023.

After college, Renee worked at UNMC in a pancreatic cancer research group until her passion for genetics and physiological health connected her with a mentor who introduced her to True North Health Clinic in Santa Rosa, California. A brave 21-year-old Renee moved across the country to follow her curiosities. At the health clinic, Renee was beloved by doctors, staff, caregivers, but most especially the patients. Her joy was evident and infectious, and she made many deep connections while she worked there. In California, Renee’s love for scenic walks and hiking was set ablaze. She would check out a state parks pass from the library and go on adventures with the many people she formed friendships with. She deeply enjoyed the outdoors, but most especially the oceanic beauty of California. While there, Renee took courses and gathered care hours, which led to her acceptance into Creighton University’s Physician Assistant Program. She received her white coat in August of 2025, marking the beginning of her pursuit of becoming a healthcare professional, but throughout her life, Renee was always a caregiver.

While Renee brought everyone around her, and most especially her family, so much joy, she seemed most authentically herself and happiest when she was outdoors and connected with the Lord’s expression of beauty in nature. The ocean coast, and especially the mountains, were her favorite places to be. Perhaps some part of her essence was always tied to them through her Canadian birth roots. Renee passed while hiking in Colorado on April 14th, 2026. That was the day our hearts broke, but we find hope in the promise of the Resurrection and believe Renee is experiencing the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.

Renee’s legacy of joy, kindness, and humor will be carried on by her family, Daren and Beth, her parents; Eric and Ania, her oldest brother and his wife; Laura and Jenna, her older and younger sisters; and Sharon, Connor, and Regan Lainchbury, her Canadian family. Renee’s surviving grandparents, Norbert and Karen Box and Carol Fullenkamp, will pray for her here on Earth. We have hope she was greeted by her heavenly predecessors, Grandpa Ron, Bob Lainchbury, and siblings who passed before birth, Gabriel and Faith. Renee’s surviving relatives are too many to name because we are so blessed to belong to such a large legacy of love, but we know they, along with countless friends, will keep Renee close to their hearts and pray for her often.

Renee’s life was so bright and good and joyful. Her absence from Earth leaves many grieving, but the memories she leaves behind are our comfort and solace. We were all blessed to get to know her and are better for it. Loving Renee Box is the greatest gift and joy of our lives!

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Renee’s memory.   

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