Brenda J. Newman-Reif
Brenda Jean (Peak) Newman-Reif, heard the words ?Well Done
Thou Good and Faithful Servant? as she went to be with the Lord on Thursday,
January 6, 2022. She was 72.
She was born January 11, 1949, in McCloud, California, to
Elvin Lyle and Reva Jean Peak.
Brenda married the love of her life, Melvin G. Newman in
April of 1973. Together they served the Lord faithfully for many years at
Heartland Baptist Church in Wichita. Brenda taught in the Christian school
there. She impacted the lives of her students who to this day have fond
memories of her being strict but loving, along with instilling in them a great
love for reading.
Inspired by her mother Reva Jean, she learned many skills to
bless others with the work of her hands. She had a green thumb and loved to
garden with Melvin and shared many of the veggies with friends and family. Her
fingers were those of a master sewer, able to expertly craft fine works that
she also lovingly gave away. Maker of many quilts, yet she never kept one for
her own bed. Her last quilt was for her doctor?s baby boy, following in her
mommas footsteps who also was making her last quilt before she passed away for
Brenda?s grandson, Austin.
Later in life she married Dale Reif and assisted him as he
worked with his hands. She was his eyes as he made incredible woodwork clocks,
rolling pins, and other various items for his small business ?Unseen
Creations?. As with Melvin, Brenda also studied the Word of God with Dale and
went to church to worship her savior Jesus Christ.
She loved to host BBQ?s and swim parties when she was living
in Wichita. All the nieces and nephews remember the famous horse tank swims and
then later the big in-ground pool, that was the highlight of their summer.
She had such a great love for all of God?s creatures such as
her fish, birds, and especially her dogs. Often she would be found in her
backyard throwing the ball for ?Rascal?, ?Spanky?, ?Maddie?, ?Andrew-Michael?,
and ?Katie?. Any pet of Brenda?s was treated like royalty.
Family was ever so important to Brenda, she loved to help
plan family gatherings at her house for the holidays where the home was
decorated throughout with some of her favorite scriptures offering
encouragement to all who would see and read them. One of the highlights at
Christmas time was playing Christmas bingo, the prank gift being a giant cheese
head wrapped in a beautiful package to trick you!
She was very proud of her daughter Cathy, and the best gift
she gave Brenda were her three grandchildren, Austin, Tiffany, and Ronnie. They
brought a twinkle to her eyes when she talked of their times together. Austin
and grandma made the best salsa around and sometimes got it a little too hot!
Tiffany shared many hours sewing with grandma and made a paper dress together
for a school project where she won first prize. Ronnie and grandma shared the
love of bowling and she was a very proud of his high score. Great grandson
Cooper was the apple of her eye, she supplied him with Thomas the Train engines
that almost filled her living room, and of course she had to make him a Thomas
the Train quilt! The family gatherings will look very different now, but each
family member will carry with them cherished memories of Brenda in their hearts
for the rest of their lives.
Oh that everyone could only have a mother, a sister, a
grandmother, an aunt, a friend such as Brenda! She will be greatly missed. May
her legacy live on through the ones she loved and the ones that loved her.
Brenda is survived by her daughter, Cathy McNanny; sister,
Lyla McClure; grandchildren, Austin, Tiffany, and Ronnie; great-grandson,
Cooper; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by
her parents; husband, Melvin Newman; husband, Dale Reif; and sister, Donna
Graebner.
Oh that everyone could only have a mother, a sister, a
grandmother, an aunt, a friend such as Brenda! She will be greatly missed. May
her legacy live on through the ones she loved and the ones that loved her.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 14, 2022
at Petersen Funeral Home
Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, January 13,
2022 at Petersen Funeral Home
The Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society or
Meridian Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.