Nancy Jean Reno passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 13, 2021, one day before her 80th birthday. She was born on March 14, 1941 to Robert M. Keller and Mary Keller Jasper in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was predeceased by her parents and a daughter by marriage, Anita Balmer.
She is survived by her loving husband, Daniel E. Reno, and son, Michael K. Balmer of Mathews, Va. She is also survived by daughter, Ann-Marie Balmer; son by marriage, Ty Balmer, and daughters by marriage, Michelle Reno Pooler (Tom) and Danielle Reno Lanksbury (Brent); her brother, Robert Keller; seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
At age four, Nancy and her family moved to California where she grew up in San Diego, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. She graduated from Excelsior High School in Norwalk, Calif. (the high school that was featured in the movie, “Grease 2”). Nancy attended California State University at Long Beach while working to support her mother and brother.
She married Kenneth B. Balmer; they owned and operated an industrial cleaning company, Cal-Chem Cleaning Company in Rowland Heights, Calif. During this marriage, Mike and his sister, Ann-Marie, were added to join Ken’s son, Ty and daughter, Anita. Nancy worked as a secretary for AeroJet for a time and then as a graphic designer and professional assistant for the Professional Resource Center at Rowland Heights Unified School District. Nancy was a member of the Rowland Heights P-TA and a team mother and treasurer for the local Little League. She was also a foster parent to children in need. She loved to sew and to paint and she had such an “artist eye” for color and imagination.
She married Dan Reno on April 14, 1990 in Diamond Bar, Calif. They moved to Mathews County in 2000. They quickly became deeply involved in the community. Nancy joined Central Village Homemakers and served for several years as vice president and president as well as participating on several committees within the club. She was one of the original members of Newcomers, an organization that was formed to welcome new residents to Mathews.
She and Dan joined the Mathews Yacht Club in 2005 where Dan served as Rear Commodore for two years and as Commodore for three years with the necessary and able assistance of Nancy. He would be the first to tell you that she was his support system.
Nancy was known for her warm and generous heart and for her love and care of animals. She and Dan adopted and rescued many pets, including several puppies, a cat, a horse, a pony, a miniature pony, and a miniature donkey. All found loving homes with the Renos.
Nancy loved to shop and she supported many of the local Mathews businesses. Her bright smile and outgoing nature were known throughout the county. She will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Rescue Road Trips, Inc., P.O. Box 107, White Cottage, Ohio 43791 (donate@rescueroadtrips.com or 1 855-RRT-DOGS) or Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at H.C. Smither Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31 at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster Faulkner Chapel, Mathews.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will also be held at a later date. Pallbearers will be Adam Swenson, Mike Balmer, Joe Arnold, Chris Moughon, Karl Braun, and Mark Letchworth.
Please be advised that current state-mandated guidelines will apply to all in attendance, including social distancing and appropriate face coverings.