Obituaries

Renee Baust, retired correctional officer, passes away

Renee Baust on horseback with the desert in the background.
Renee Baust was very involved in an equestrian organization. (Photo courtesy of Equestrian Trails International, Corral 83.)

Renee Baust, a retired correctional officer, passed away March 17, 2024. She began her CDCR career as an officer in May 1998 at California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi.

Renee Baust
Renee Baust

She spent her entire career at the institution, retiring in April 2019.

“We send our thoughts and prayers to Renee’s family, friends, and coworkers she met along her career,” according to CCI.

Baust was very involved in Equestrian Trails International, an organization promoting responsible horse ownership and stewardship of riding trails. She served as president of Corral 83, her local organization where she had been a longtime member and volunteer.

“At the time she retired, she also adopted many of the previously feral prison cats which she had diligently trapped and had (neutered),” according to a statement issued by Corral 83. “Renee had previously served as Treasurer and Vice President for our corral. Last year, (she) took over the role of President. She was always willing to step up and help out in whatever capacity she was needed. (She was also) quick to identify where that need was.”


Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

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