Lauren Elizabeth Rex, of Bowling Green Ohio (and the many places around the country and world she lived and traveled), died on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the age of 32.
Lauren was born in Bowling Green, Ohio to Winnie and Bob Rex on July 24, 1990. She is survived by her parents, her sister Caitlin, brother Justin (Marissa) and nephews Jack, Theo, and Henry Rex, uncles Ed Worner, Tom (Joanne) Worner, Jim (Judy) Rex, Bill (Desi) Rex, aunt Barbara (Rick) Rose. Lauren was preceded in death by her grandparents Harlan and Beulah Rex and Fritz and Helen Worner.
Lauren had a passion for social justice and serving others, including working most recently for the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, and previously with student civic engagement programs through Americorp at Colby College, Waterville, ME and the College Forward program, University of Texas at Austin. Because of her interest in conservation, she also worked with the Montana Conservation Corps and the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation. She was an outdoors enthusiast, going on caving and backpacking trips to national parks, and being involved in the Outdoor Program and GeoJourney while studying at Bowling Green State University. She was internationally minded, learning to speak Spanish, studying abroad in Spain, and living with international students as part of the Global Village at BGSU, where she graduated with degrees in International Studies and Spanish. She also earned a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at Kent State University.
Lauren was also an excellent and avid volleyball player. She won three varsity league titles in high school, and continued her passion with club teams, rec leagues, and pickup games with friends and family. Though her specialty was defense, she had a hard spike when called on, and a downright nasty drop serve. Lauren loved photography too, and took many beautiful photos of the outdoors, her travels, and the family farm. She was a great friend and babysitter to her nephews who loved playing with Aunt Lauren.
Lauren died by suicide after struggling with depression. She left us too soon; her friends and family will love and remember her always.
Family and friends will be received from 4:00 -7:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Dunn Funeral Home, 408 West Wooster Street, Bowling Green, OH. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Maumee Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 20189 North Dixie Highway, Bowling Green.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (https://988lifeline.org/donate/), Montana Conservation Corps (https://www.mtcorps.org/support/donate.html), or the Maumee Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation (https://www.mvuuc.org).
