Kara Reno with Chattanooga Funeral Home is now a licensed funeral director. Ms. Reno has completed the apprenticeship program earning a degree in funeral services from the John A. Gupton College in Nashville. Ms. Reno says she is a semester away from completing the embalming class.
Ms. Reno is the daughter of Rev. Ernie and Karen Reno. The Chattanooga native graduated from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy. After high school graduation she worked in retail before going to work for Chattanooga Funeral Home five years ago. Ms. Reno said she has always had an interest in counseling and event planning.
CFH Vice President Stephen Pike said he was working a service with her father and mentioned to him the company is looking for a young lady to work with families. Rev. Reno went home and mentioned the job to his daughter who responded, “Oh that’s funny, dad.” Ms. Reno said the more she thought about what her dad said, she started researching what a funeral director does and decided to apply. Mr. Pike said he was impressed with Ms. Reno’s personality and encouraged her to enroll in the apprentice program. Both Mr. Pike and Ms. Reno say it’s all been “A God Thing”. Ms. Reno said she just wants God’s will for her life.
What does Kara Reno do in her spare time? She said she is a family person, appreciates Bible Study, reading, traveling and looks forward to playing on her church volleyball team.
Ms. Reno says she enjoys every aspect of the job from arranging services to driving the family car from the service to the cemetery. She said to her "every detail of a funeral matters and she strives for family satisfaction.” Although Ms. Reno works out of the Valley View Chapel, she is available to meet with families at the other Chattanooga Funeral Home chapels.