Brenda Marlene “Big Red” Rains, 80, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 6:48 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, with her family by her side in Granite City. She was born June 7, 1942, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the daughter of the late Oscar and Myra (Davis) Wagner. Brenda had worked for Lindbergh Cadillac, Plaza Motors, and Moore Auto Plex with many years of dedicated service as a cashier in the service department. Brenda lived her life by example, always taking care of others and always donating and helping others in need throughout the year. She enjoyed her days of traveling and cherished her beloved family. She is survived by four daughters, Laura Chepely of Granite City, Michelle Rains of Foley, Missouri, Teresa (Mark) Polette of Granite City, and Carol Rains of Lucas, Kentucky; eight grandchildren, Amanda (Donald) Tooley, Mark Chepely Jr., Matthew Chepely, Natasha Rains, Chesley Jones, Sara (Ryan) Stromberg, Jared Rains, and Bradley Rains; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Thelma Kramer of Sullivan, Missouri and Shirley Rippy of Granite City; one brother, Richard Wagner of Granite City; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and many friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Sheryl Horgon, and a brother, Kenneth Wagner.
In celebration of her life, a memorial visitation will be at Second Baptist Church, 2100 Illinois Avenue in Granite City on Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of a memorial service at noon with Reverend Chris Sedabres officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Irwin Chapel of Granite City is in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com
