JEFFERSON, OHIO - Brenda Lou Hines Lasher Niro, age 71, of Jefferson, loves Jesus more than anything in this world. On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, He told her that it was time for her to come and live with Him now. So, He gently took her by the hand and took her home. Brenda was born on July 16, 1955, graduated from Jefferson Area High School in 1973, and attended Mount Vernon Nazarene College for one year. She married Howard P. Lasher on April 2, 1977, and was faithful until his passing in 2006. She married Steve Niro on June 26, 2011, who loved and served her and remained at her side until her passing. She loved crafting, painting, scrapbooking, and especially loved flowers. She would often say she had her dream job as a florist.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Niro; sister, Linda (David) Masirovits; brothers, Walley (Rose) Hines, Gary (Jennifer) Hines, Danny (Kim) Hines, and Mark (Sheri) Hines, and all of their children. Brenda raised 4 sons, Curtis (Rebecca) Lasher, Matthew (Lyndsay) Lasher, Jeremy (Jennifer) Lasher, and Brian (Jessie) Lasher. Brenda didn’t have “stepchildren”. She claimed every one of them as her own. She loved and prayed fearsly for Steve Niro Jr., Andrea Leonard, Amy (George) Johnson, Keith (Beth) Bopp, Cliff (Becky) Halfhill, Thom Halfhill, Melissa Simak, Michelle Chapman, and all of her grandchildren.

She loved and mothered many others, Phil Lasher. If you belonged to her, and you know who you are, she belonged to you too, and there is no doubt in your mind that she loved you. Brenda adored 25 grandchildren and made sure every single one of them know about Jesus and His love for each of them. She enjoyed watching them perform in choir and band concerts, children’s Christmas programs, quiz meets, and countless sporting events. She celebrated all of their accomplishments and was proud of every one of them: Andrew, Kyle, Gage, Brendan, Ellyana, Madilyn, Noah, Emma, Nevaeh, Isabella, Kailynn, Michael, Brecken, David, Alyssa, Levi, Ian, Ethan, Evan, Benjamin, Nichole, Clarisse, and Averi. Brenda also had 3 great grandchildren, Kinleigh, Axel, and Athena.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, Wendell and Mary Lou Hines; former husband, Howard Lasher; grandsons, Cody Johnson and Bryson Lasher, and sister, Donna Adams.

Brenda loved her church, which she often claimed as her own, because she poured her heart into her church family. She was a very active member of the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene. Over the years she served on the church board, led many small groups, Bible studies, and Sunday School classes, and who remembers caravan. She supported her husband, Steve, with Upwards Basketball for many years. She was passionate about the Lord and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to share Him with anyone who would listen; and sometimes even if they didn’t want to listen. She was the definition of encouragement and unconditional love. In the past couple of years Brenda spearheaded a ministry called Bags of Hope, which has delivered bags of useful items and encouragement to adults undergoing cancer treatments. Her ministry will continue to spread the love of Jesus, which was her lifelong legacy. Her family has asked that instead of sending flowers, you consider making a donation to Jefferson Church of the Nazarene, marked on the memo line Bags of Hope.

A funeral service will be held at the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene, 55 E. Satin Street, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 12 PM, with Pastor Curtis Cecil officiating. Calling hours will begin at the church on Thursday at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Oakdale Union Cemetery, Jefferson, Ohio. For additional information and to view Brenda’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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