Brenda Dee Koeller, 76, of New Lebanon, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on August 2, 2026, surrounded by her family after a brief battle with glioblastoma. Born on July 3, 1950, in Brookville, Ohio, Brenda lived a life full of faith, generosity, service to the church, and a genuine love for helping people. Brenda graduated from Dixie High School in 1968 where she was a proud member of the marching band. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and continued building on that foundation with both an MSN and an MBA in Healthcare Management. After retirement in 2020 she became a licensed realtor, a reflection of her many interests and abilities. She volunteered as a paramedic for the New Lebanon fire department for many years. Prior to becoming a nurse she was a certified Master Cake Decorator. She also taught many cake decorating classes and gave flute lessons over the years.

Brenda devoted much of her life to caring for others through her work as a registered nurse. She served as an emergency room and trauma nurse as well as one of the original perfusion therapists and administrative officers at Miami Valley Hospital. She also taught nursing school for many years and later healthcare management statistics courses. She was Director of Nursing for multiple long term care facilities, owned her own nursing seminar company and taught 12 lead EKG courses as well as review courses for the state nursing board. She went back to the emergency department in 2002 and returned to Hawaii for a travel nursing assignment, adding another meaningful chapter to a life already full of service. While in Hawaii she often recited Isaiah 42:12 “Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim His praise in the islands” because this was where she felt she was most able to proclaim God’s praise. She later spent 15 years as manager of the CareSource triage department. Her career reflected not only her skill and intelligence, but also her commitment to helping people through difficult moments. Brenda was known for being generous, funny, and just a little mischievous in the best possible way. Those who knew her will remember her intelligence, her sharp sense of humor, and the way she could bring lightness into a room. She was talented in many ways including making wedding cakes, painting, drawing, but especially as a musician. She played the flute and even did a stint with the Irish band Dulahan where she played the penny whistle. Music was one of the many ways she expressed her joy in life, and it brought happiness to those around her dating back to the 1960’s when her mother would have her sing with her two sisters dubbed “The Rohrer Sisters” many Sundays at church. Some of her happiest memories were as a camper and later serving as a counselor and camp nurse at Camp Bethany. An active member of First Baptist Church New Lebanon, Brenda loved the Lord and lived her faith in quiet, steady ways. She helped people without looking for recognition, and her kindness was felt most deeply by those who experienced her care during hard times whether emotionally, personally, or financially. She also took part in mission trips to Kenya and Haiti, reflecting her generous heart and her desire to serve beyond her own community.

She is preceded in death by her parents Dale Rohrer and Jean Caple Rohrer Rogers, and granddaughter Sydney Osborn. Brenda is survived by her husband, Harlin Koeller; her children, Chanda McBride, Jeanna Osborn (Mandy Garrett), step-daughter Hannah Koeller (Justin DiLiberto); her grandchildren, Megan Osborn (Kevin Jones), Nathan Osborn (Tabby), Riley Osborn, Jackson Osborn, and Jamison Osborn; sisters, Beverly Denius (Ted), Dianna Rohrer, Devonna Seger; and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.

Brenda’s life was one of faith, family, and acts of service to the church and others. She had a passion for teaching. She found real purpose and joy in teaching Sunday school classes, leading bible study groups, directing church choirs, and playing in the praise band. Through all of this she left a lasting mark on so many that will not be forgotten. She will be forever loved by her family and dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Thursday, August 6th at Rogers Funeral Home in New Lebanon. There will also be a visitation from 10-11 AM with funeral service to begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 7th at First Baptist Church of New Lebanon. Pastor Stephen Betts officiating. Burial will follow the service at Arlington Cemetery in Brookville. www.RogersFuneralHomes.com