OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
James G. Atkins
James G. Atkins, age 84, of Mentor, passed away peacefully July 28, 2020.
He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be greatly missed by many. His greatest joy were his grandchildren, working in his yard, hanging out at the park with his buddies and taking care of the fire at the park.
James is survived by his son Jeffrey Atkins, daughters Debra Parsons, Janice (Danny) Brooks, grandchildren Nicole (Keith) Parsons, Megan (DeVerne) Parsons, Anthony Parsons, Taylor Durk, Joshua Brooks, Matthew Brooks and 5 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sons John M. Atkins, James G. Atkins and great grandson DeVerne W. Wilson.
A private memorial will be at a later date with the family.
In lieu of Flower Please make donations to your charity of choice.
Danielle Gudaitis
Danielle Gudaitis (nee Vasko) age 38, resided in Eastlake formerly of Euclid. Passed away on July 24, 2020. Wife of Jonathan Gudaitis. Cherished daughter of Judy Vasko. Sister of Sarina Bachna, Eric Durst and Robert Vasko Jr. Aunt of five nieces, three nephews, and her dog she loved "Benji". Private Services were held. www.blessingcremation.com
Louis S. Olszewski
Louis S. Olszewski passed away on July 14, 2020 at his home in Mentor, Ohio.
Lou was born on Father's Day, June 17, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Stanley and Clara Olszewski. He was the older brother of Paul. Lou attended St. Christine and Euclid High School and received a Bachelor's degree at Cleveland State University.
Lou married Ginny (Virginia) Adamy in 1973 and they had two children, Laurie and David. He worked his way from auto mechanic to supervisor at East Ohio Gas, retiring at an early age to pursue a natural talent for photography. His many interests included fishing, astronomy, microscopy, billiards and cue making, and he enjoyed weightlifting, running, cycling and watching the Cleveland Indians. In recent years he not only learned to play the harmonica, but taught others to play as well. His curious mind led him to always analyze things and figure out how they worked, no matter how complex or intricate.
There was nothing more important to Lou than his family. He was their rock, always putting them first. Lou and Ginny were true soul mates and best friends. He was a supportive and loving dad and extremely proud of his children. He was a mentor and confidant to many lifelong friends, and impacted lives and lifted spirits with his caring nature and sense of humor.
He will live forever in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. Survived by wife Ginny; daughter Laurie Borchert and son-in-law Mike; son David, daughter-in-law Lilly and granddaughter Evelyn; brother Paul and sister-in-law Zenia; and his dog Caesar.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for next summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Euclid Pet Pals, 25100 Lakeland Blvd., Euclid, Ohio 44132, (216) 289-2057, euclidpetpals.net.
Patsy Jean Gunn
Patsy Jean Gunn age 68, of Painesville, passed away July 8, 2020 after a difficult battle with breast cancer. Born on June 18, 1952 in West Virginia, Pasty lived most of her life on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio, outside of a few years in Arizona and Texas.
Patsy was a talented artist and embraced a creative spirit and love for life. She was a proud graduate of Hiram College with a Master of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies degree (2014) and Cleveland State University with a BA in Art History (2011). Her art has been showcased at a variety of studios and art shows over the years. Patsy has also worked as a florist and owned her own floral shop.
In addition to art, Patsy loved to be out in nature, especially spending time in the Lake Metroparks at the river or collecting beach glass along the shore of Lake Erie with her granddaughters.
Patsy is survived by her two children Shanon Sterringer (Richard) of Fairport Harbor, Ohio and Jody Funnell (Angie) of Waco, Texas; and her grandchildren Trisha, Angel, and Maria; Casey, Darynn, Briyanna, and Jaelynn.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John (Jack) Funnell, her parents Joe, Gladys, and Russell, and her brother Jim.
An outdoor memorial service and tree-planting ceremony for Patsy will be held at later date and are PENDING. Please check back the website.
In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe account has been set up in Patsy’ memory to cover her funeral expenses and burial costs. Any gifts received over and above these expenses will be donated to The Gathering Place Cancer Center in Beachwood, Ohio.
Tammy Margaret Savannah Phillips
Tammy Margaret Savannah Phillips was called home on July 8,2020 She was born in Erie Pa daughter of James Waddell and Lulubell Murphy. She was a 1985 graduate of Maplewood Highschool. She married Warren Phillips on June 20,1997.He proceeded her in death on May 312014. She attended Greater New Hope St Paul Way Of The Cross Church. Where she was loved by all. She loved to sing the old time hymns for family and friends. She had a beautiful voice. Tammy had a heart of gold was a kind and compassionate person who loved helping others. She loved all her nieces, nephews and cousins. She tried to be a positive influence in there life. Tammy was proceeded in death by her daughter Ashley Nicole Phillips. Two brothers James Waddell and David Waddell and one sister Anita Mae. Tammy leaves precious memories never to be forgotten by Her mother Lulubell Brown of Wickliffe Ohio an aunt Juanita Gates of Eastlake Ohio .Two brothers Arthur Waddell of Orangeburg South Carolina and Keith(Christna) Waddell of St Mathews South Carolina Two sisters Roseann(Terry) Garrison of Willowbghy Ohio and Lisa Blake of Wickliffe Ohio and a host of cousins, nieces and nephew. Cremation has already taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Thank You to all for the donations and Prayers we received for Tammy’s Passing.
Judy Kay Ward
Judith Kay Ward (Seidel) died surrounded by family on July 6th, 2020 at the age of 71 after a long illness.
Judy was born in Ravenna, Ohio on November 8, 1948 to Robert and Irma Seidel. She graduated from Bowling Green University with a degree in elementary education and The University of Akron with a masters in elementary education. She spent 36 years as a teacher for Ravenna City Schools where she taught hundreds of students how to write a proper thank you note.
Judy is survived by her children Erin (Frank) Shreve of Austinburg, Ohio and Robert (Krystal Ricciardella) of Perrysburg, Ohio and one beloved grandson, Robbie. She is predeceased by her parents, Robert and Irma Seidel; her husband, James Ward; and her brother, James Seidel. She was a long time member of the First Christian Church of Ravenna, Ohio.
Steven P. Hanuscin II
Steven P. Hanuscin ll of Eastlake passed away on July 6, 2020. He was born February 7, 1983. Steve enjoyed cooking for his family, having bonfire's and listening to country music. He loved his dog, Bella, and was always willing to give a helping hand. He was preceded in death by his father, John Hanuscin Jr and his brother, John Hanuscin lll. He is survived by his mother, Brenda Hanuscin, his sister Kelli ( Dennis) Welk, his nieces and nephews, JD, Nick, Madi, Caetlyn, Jasmine, Emma, Ben, and Sarah, and his sister in law, Amanda Hanuscin. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Family and friends will be notified.
Rufus Nelson
Baker’s Square Restaurant lost a loyal customer on July 3, 2020 when Rufus “Buzz” Henry Nelson went on to be with the Lord, just a few days after his 65th birthday. Buzz passed unexpectedly after experiencing a cardiac event on July 1, 2020. Born June 20,1955 to Rufus B. and Shirley I. Nelson. It was almost unbelievable when he would tell people about how many “close calls” he had experienced in his life: like the time he almost drowned as a young child. Or the time when he lost his arm in a trash compactor. Or the other various heart incidents, strokes and seizures that the doctors never expected a recovery from. He was known as the man with 9 lives, and because of this, his kids always saw him as invincible.
His children were always on his mind and the apple of his eye. Buzz was what some would call a 'ladies man', and is survived by 3 of his 4 wives. His marriage to his first wife, Yolanda, produced 2 of his 4 biological children, Rufus Bailey Nelson of Medina, Ohio (46) Lyndsay. Jennifer Nelson of Mentor, Ohio (44) Bob . His second wife, Gina Tatsumi produced Amanda Maria Bayati of Virgina (35), Amir. Jonathon Nelson of Huntington, Ohio(31) Marissa. Buzz also had two step children, Alex and Dasha. He is survived by 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren: Bailey, Courtney, Karlan, Nicholas, Austin, Josiah, Ellyanna, Colette, Kayden and Kamden.
Buzz is also survived by two of his four brothers David of Nashville, Tennessee and Thomas of Geneva, Ohio
Those who knew Buzz knew the things he cared most about: His God, his Country,his cars, and his family. Buzz was the kind of guy who believed that God could still perform miracles. He would tell strangers off the street of the times God came to his rescue and ask them to put their faith in Him. When it came to his Country, he believed that this was truly the best Nation in the world and all Democrats were going straight to hell...but God still loved them, of course.
Every house he ever lived in had to have a garage so he could “tinker” on his cars. He loved cars so much that he kind of thought his body was like an old ‘65 Mustang. Everytime something broke he thought, no problem you can just replace the carburetor, slap some new tires on it, and it’s good as new.
Buzz received his nickname from his grandmother who said he would always “buzz” around with all his energy. His energy was contagious and he could never sit still. His children will miss the long and deep conversations about life and all the times he would try to “set us straight” with his lectures. They will miss his sense of humor and wit and even all his unsolicited advice. He is irreplaceable but we are grateful for the life he lived….all 9 of them.
At this time due to Covid, (which Buzz had a strong opinion about) there will be no funeral services. We would ask that you leave a story or memory about our Dad, so many people knew and loved him, we love to hear about the things that made this man who he was.
Love,
Rufus, Jennifer, Amanda, and Jonathon Nelson
Candice Haun
Candice Haun of Painesville, OH. Passed away on June 23, 2020. Loving daughter of Stacey Lewis (Kevin). Mother of Leslie James Lewis, and Cherish Harmoni Nagle. Granddaugter of Anna Lamb. Sister of Robert Haun, Nannette, Terry, and Dalton Neely. Stepsister of Kourtney Anderson. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Please check back on the website.
Walter E. Neil
Walt “Wali” Neil, age 66, took his Solar transition around the sun peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2020, during the Summer Solstice after succumbing to cancer.
Wali, as he is affectionally known, was born February 19, 1954 in Columbus, Ohio and is an Ohio mural and visual artist, singer extraordinaire, drummer, educator and citizen of the world. His murals have been a part of the community landscape in Columbus, Cleveland, and Euclid, Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. He is also an accomplished vocalist, drummer, and teacher of the arts. He believed in the goodness of humanity and became a citizen of the world, but a lover of the African Diaspora where he taught art and music courses in the fishing villages of Ngor in Senegal, West Africa, and was a consultant to Harambee II, Wholistic Stress Control Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. His art has been seen at the King Art Complex in Columbus, Ohio; he worked as an artist-in-residence at the African American Museum, and was a participant artist in the Chalk Festival at the Cleveland Museum of Art and has shown his work at both Cleveland and Euclid City Halls and libraries. Several of his murals can be found at the Shore Cultural Centre in Euclid, Ohio where he resided with his beloved wife, Denise Goodrich Neil for 19 years.
Wali is an “Artist of the Spirit” who majored in commercial art. His mentors were the likes of inspired artists Tom Pannell, Ed Colston and Bill Agnew who all ushered his consciousness into the most challenging profession on earth… “being an African American Artist in America!!!”
Wali is preceded in death by his mother, father and sister Lois Sowards Neil. Ralph Neil and Laurenceen “Lark” Jennings. He leaves a brother, Markus (Janel) Neil of Baltimore, MD; sister, Litoni Neil; step-mother, Mary Neil-Smith; and other relatives. He is remembered by many, many friends far and wide, especially by Poet Is Said (Columbus), Sis. Omelika (Atlanta) and Ms. Dolly (Euclid).
Wali has joined the Ancestors in the cloud of witnesses and will continue to guide our paths. His Spirit lives on in his Art and the vibrations of his music are still moving out in the Cosmos! There will be a A Celebration of Wali’s life at a later date, please check back on the website.
One Love!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=407qStp8KR4
Arvil Anders
Arvil Anders, 68, of Painesville, Ohio, died Thursday, June 18, 2020. Arvil was born on November 11, 1951 to Colonel and Leatha Anders (Lawson).
He leaves behind his three children, Lisa Routt (Fred), Scott Anders (Toni), Chris Sylvester (Mandie Mae), grandchildren Camielle, Brittany, Carley and Nova. Great grandchildren Mya, Evelyn and Aaron. Sisters Ina Vance (James), Faye Davis (Charles), Ellen Thompson (Paul), and brother, Edward Anders (Tammy), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Colonel Anders (Sue).
Arvil had a zest for life, but in later years was hindered by his health. Arvil loved to spend time with family and friends fishing and playing his guitar. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A Private Memorial Service for Arvil will be held.
Judith Lynn Ross
Judith Lynn Ross (Jonath) passed away Monday, Jun 15, 2020 at the age of 77.
Judy was born on March 2, 1943 and grew up in Huntsburg, Ohio. In 1961, she graduated from Cardinal High School in Middlefield. Judy married the love of her life, Thomas Ross, on July 1, 1961. They were married for nearly 59 years. Judy and Tom eventually settled in Wickliffe, Ohio and lived there until the day of her passing.
Judy loved to sew and knit and was a stay-at-home mom in the early days. After her children graduated from high school, she rejoined the workforce and eventually retired as a shipping clerk for Bescast Inc. in Willoughby in 2005.
Judy is survived by her husband Thomas Ross and her children Christine Brooks (Robert), David Ross (Cathleen), and Terry Tennant (Scott). She was a loving grandmother to 9 amazing grandchildren: Mallory Brooks, Shelby Brooks, Elissa Tennant, Courtney Ross, Chandler Ross, Chloe Edmonds (Michael), Jared Tennant, Melanie Tennant, and Jack Tennant.
She is also survived by younger siblings William Jonath and Sandra Burnette. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Harry Jonath and Gladys Courrier (Jonath, Spoonamore), along with brothers John Jonath and Steve Jonath, and sister Evelyn McGranahan.
Judy was a lifelong member of the Church of the Blessed Hope in Chesterland, Ohio where she developed her faith in God and her strong belief and hope in his promises. Judy was baptized on October 6, 1957. Over the years, she met many dear friends through her faith and was always excited to spend time with her brothers and sisters in Christ.
The family has been extremely grateful for all the help and support provided during Judy’s fight with lung cancer, and especially appreciated the many meals provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to help feed others can be made to the Church of the Blessed Hope Food Bank. The address is PO Box 853, Chesterland, Ohio, 44026.
The family wishes to thank the Western Reserve Hospice group for the care and support provided for Judy over the last 45 days before her passing.