Rena Marie Lanham Leto

Rena Marie Lanham Leto, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend died in Lodi, Ohio on August 17, 2024 after a period of declining health. She was 79 years old.
Rena was born in Cincinnati, OH and raised in Corbin, KY. She moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1967 and married her first husband Joseph Catron, also from Corbin, KY, in 1968.
Rena and Joe share two daughters. Rena worked as a teacher, then a principal, for the Berea City School District in Berea, OH for most of her professional career. She obtained her Master’s and Ph.D. from Kent State University. After 35 years in education, she retired to pursue her many hobbies.
Rena married Joseph Leto in 2006 with whom she shared years of love and joy. Although Rena was a trailblazer and inspired all those she encountered, the role in life that she treasured the most was being a mother and grandmother.
She was a kind and generous woman and a fierce advocate for her family and friends. Rena was so fun, and she gave the best advice. She was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her husband of eighteen years, Joseph Leto; her daughters, Kelly Frank (Scott) of Lodi, OH, and Kristy Carruthers (Matt) of Greenville, SC; granddaughter, Shelby Moucha (Andy Walther) of Litchfield, OH; sister-in-law, Beulah Barnett of Corbin KY; brother, Ray Lanham (Beverly) of Corbin, KY; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jennings and Lillian Lanham; and her brother Ronald Lanham.
A funeral service to honor Rena will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, August 22, at Ellison Funeral Home in Williamsburg, KY, with Rev. James Hodge officiating.
Interment will be in the Young Cemetery.
Visitation will be 11:00 AM until the funeral hour on Thursday, August 22, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Medina County Animal Shelter. https://www.medinaco.org/venue/animal-shelter/.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to Suncrest Hospice of Cleveland for their care.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.ellisonfh.com.
Ellison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.