Renee Rains

Funeral services for Nelda Renee Rains will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home at 10:00 A. M. Burial will follow at Marthaville Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for a visitation on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm.

Renee Graves Rains, lovingly known as “NaNa,” passed away from this life on April 15, 2025, at the age of 63. A lifelong resident of Marthaville, LA, Renee was the heart of her family and the light of every room she entered.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Haward and Betty Graves, whom she honored and loved deeply.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 44 years, Kenneth “Dubo” Rains. Their marriage was one of true love, unwavering support, and shared faith – a bond admired by many. Renee was the proud mother of two sons who were her absolute world, Clint Rains and his wife Laken, and Brett Rains and his wife Crystal. Her heart belonged to her grandchildren, Payton, Bronson, Weston, Maverick, Jo’Lee, and Ridge Rains, along with her two bonus grandbabies, Rylan Carriker and Reese Mire. No one loved her grandbabies more fiercely than Renee. She is also survived by one sister, Bev Thompson and one brother, Dewayne Graves; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Renee was a faithful Christian whose walk with God was strong and unshakable. She was a proud member of Family Harvest Church and never missed an opportunity to share her love for Jesus. Her strength, compassion, and resilience inspired everyone blessed to know her.

Renee was the unofficial family photographer, always ready with a camera in hand – whether you wanted a picture or not. It didn’t matter if your hair was a mess or you had food on your face, if you were in the room, you were getting your picture taken. She believed every moment was worth capturing, and now those pictures are some of the most treasured memories her family holds dear. She worked harder than anyone around her and never sat still for long. For many years, she owned and operated her own daycare, lovingly caring for countless children in the community who still remember her as “Mrs. Na.” She was the queen of Bunco, a title she wore with joy and laughter, and no one could quite match her energy or wit. She had a special talent for sewing and quilting, each piece stitched with love and intention. Her famous homemade meat pies became a family tradition, known just as much for the memories made around them and the flavor itself. She was rarely seen without a Diet Coke in hand and never without a quick-witted remark ready to make you smile. Her red heeler, Sparky, was her loyal companion and brought her so much daily joy. To know Renee was to know unconditional love, strength, and faith. Her legacy of kindness and devotion lives on in every life she touched.

The family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Wounded Warriors program or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, as both were near and dear to Renee.