Renee Nieto

Renee Nieto, 71, of Medina, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born September 11, 1954, Renee lived a life defined by independence, creativity, hard work and devotion to her family. She built a successful career, having established and run her own barber and cosmetology business in Oberlin, Ohio. An expert barber with a loyal following, she took great pride in her work and the relationships she built with her customers.

Fiercely independent and resourceful, Renee was largely self-taught and was always a “fix-it-yourself” kind of woman. She had an inventive mind and was constantly thinking of new business ideas and better ways of doing things.

Renee was also an important partner in her husband’s commercial real estate business, contributing her creativity, ideas, strategic thinking, and administrative skills as the business grew into a successful real estate enterprise.

Outside of work, she loved dancing and was an accomplished ballerina in her youth. She had a lifelong love of horses and dogs, and enjoyed camping, fishing, boating and spending time outdoors.

Her greatest joy was her family. She devoted herself to raising her only daughter, Crystal Zehnal, encouraging her to become an independent woman with a successful career and family of her own. She adored her grandchildren, Mason Sherman and Lillie Sherman, and was always there for her family and friends—someone they could count on no matter what.

Renee will be remembered for her strength, independence, creativity, generosity, and unwavering love for those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Nieto; her daughter, Crystal Zehnal and her husband, Christopher Zehnal; her grandchildren, Mason Sherman and Lillie Sherman; her sisters, Patricia Sulpizio, Maria Kmiecik and Sarita Clayton; and many cherished family members and friends.

A small, family-only Catholic funeral Mass will be held in Renee’s honor, followed by interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio.

In keeping with Renee’s wishes, the family kindly asks that no flowers or cards be sent. Your thoughts, prayers, and memories of Renee are more than enough. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.