A funeral service will be held Saturday for Brenda J. Reno of 425 George St., Sharon. She passed away at 8:30 p.m. Sunday (10-25-09) in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was 56.

Mrs. Reno was born Sept. 12, 1953, in Huntsville, Ala., to Willie W. and Laura M. Harden Newby.

A longtime Shenango Valley resident since 1959, she was a graduate of Farrell Area High School and earned certification as a licensed practical nurse from Mercer County Vocational Technical School.

She was a nurse at Polk (Pa.) State Hospital.

As a member of Second Baptist Church in Sharpsville, Brenda was an usher, served on the kitchen committee and was assistant secretary to the Sunday school.

She also belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars Murray-Bell Post 7597, Farrell.

Brenda sang with the New Believers singing group and enjoyed sewing and cooking.

Her husband, Gene Reno, whom she married Aug. 25, 1986, survives in New Castle.

Also surviving are: two sisters, Dorothey L. Chester, Sharon; and Fannie M. Chester, Colorado Springs, Colo.; four brothers, Robert E. Newby Sr., Sharon; Henry E. Newby and his wife Flora L., Hermitage; and Harvey L. Newby and Robert B. Newby, both Sharon; a special niece, Meredith J. Henry, Sharon; and her godchildren, Doris Thomas, Huntsville; Raykeya Smith, Colorado Springs; and John Hunter, Mark Henry, David Newby and Kelvin Henry, all Sharon.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Richetta Thomas; and two brothers, Larry Newby and the Rev. Dr. William W. Newby.

RENO

Mrs. Geno (Brenda J.), 56, of 425 George St., Sharon.

Calling hours: With family from 9:30 a.m. to time of service Saturday (10-31-09) in Valley Baptist Church, 500 Sharon-New Castle Road, Farrell. Rites will be held at 9:40 a.m. Saturday in the church by the Ladies Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Murray-Bell Post 7597, Farrell. Condolences may be sent by fax to (724) 347-1917 or by e-mail to ShannonFHLtd@netscape.net