Brenda Jolene Reith, 72, was called to her heavenly home on March 11, 2026.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 15 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Palmer from 4 to 7 p.m. with the family present.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 16 at St. John's Lutheran Church with burial in the church cemetery.

Brenda was born on September 10, 1953, in Marysville, Kansas, to Willis “Gene” and Norma (Behrens) Flear. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Barnes, Kansas. She graduated from Linn High School with the class of 1971. 

On September 10, 1972, Brenda was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Dewain Reith, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Together they built a loving home and were blessed with two children, Brandon and Holly.

 In December 1982, Brenda began working part-time at The Moore Agency, preparing taxes for individuals in the community. In April 1985, she transitioned to full-time work focusing on the insurance side of the business. Brenda dedicated many years to serving the community through her work until retiring from her insurance career in December 2018. Retirement didn’t slow her down for long. Many in the community knew Brenda from the Palmer Café, where she enjoyed waiting tables, or from Just Left Bar, where she helped make sure the locals were well taken care of.

Brenda was an active and faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether that meant working in the kitchen for church luncheons or preparing meals for new mothers in the congregation. She was a proud member of the Barnes Auxiliary for 45 years. 

Family meant everything to Brenda. When her children were growing up, she could always be found on the sidelines cheering them on at every game, meet, and match. Later in life, she continued that tradition with her grandchildren, proudly supporting them at soccer games, basketball games, dance events, and any activity they were involved in. 

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Willis “Gene” and Norma Flear; and sister, Ramona Hiesterman. 

Survivors include husband, Dewain Reith, Linn; Son Brandon Reith, Wichita; and daughter Holly (Chris) Duskin, Hutchinson; grandchildren Ian Duskin, Noah Duskin and Macy Duskin, Hutchinson; and aunts Darleen Holle, Riley, and Bernita Rothlisberger, Simi Valley, CA; in-laws Bruce (Vicky) Reith, Bartlesville, OK, Armon Reith, Herington, Brenda Reith, Springfield, MO, and John Hiesterman, Linn; and goddaughters Tina Meier and Sarah Meier, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be remembered for her deep love for her family and church, and for the kindness and warmth she shared with everyone around her.

A memorial fund is established to St. John's Lutheran Church or Linn Community Nursing Home. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, PO Box 157, Washington, KS 66968.