OBITUARIES
A Remembrance of Loved Ones
Beverly Agnes Zanoskar
With our deepest regrets, we must inform you that our dear Beverly Agnes Zanoskar (Smicklas) has passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at the age of 76.
Beverly was a loving mother to Matthew, wonderful sister to Mary Ellen Dautovic (Smicklas), superb grandmother to Brianna, caring aunt to both Paul and Nick Dautovic, sister-in-law to John Dautovic and daughter to Mary Tully and Nick Smicklas (both deceased).
Her granddaughter, Brianna, was the light of her life. Beverly was a single mom who devoted her whole life to support her son. Beverly left this world for her final resting place in the presence of her loved ones.
She will be truly missed, but never forgotten.
May you rest in peace dear Beverly.
Celebration of Life prayer service August 24, 2024 at St. John Vianney’s Prayer Chapel. Lunch to follow at Father Kline’s Social Hall.
Barbara Lee Petroff
Barbara Lee (Polson) Petroff
Gracious lady, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, avid gardener.
Daughter of Roy and Evelyn (Jackson) Polson in Cleveland Ohio.
Barbara graduated from East High School Cleveland, Class of 1954. She worked at Stouffer’s on the Square and was a hat model for Halle’s Department Store.
Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Christ Petroff on June 4, 1955. They had five children. Barbara was very active as president of the PTA at Upson Elementary School. She ran the summer day camp, and was Girl Scout leader of Troop #547 Euclid.
After her children grew up, Barbara worked as “the pizza lady” at Pick-n-Pay at E260th and Euclid Ave.
Gardening became a passion. She and Christ created beautiful gardens at their home. She became very active in various garden clubs, including Trumbull Co Herb Society.
One of Barbara’s proudest accomplishments in life were her children.
She was so happy to reconnect with her sister, Sharon. They had lots of memories to share.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, and infant son, Eric. Barbara is survived by her husband of 69 years, Christ. Daughters: Gail (Steve) Henschel, Midge (Ken) Robb, Holly Petroff, and son, Roy(Alanna) Petroff. Also 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, sister, Sharon Throop and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service is private per Barbara’s request.
Kimberly L. Weingard
A public celebration of life for Kimberly L. Weingard (nee Higgins), 55, of Willoughby, will be held on Tuesday, August 20th from 4 PM to 8 PM at 6466 Chase Drive, Mayfield Village, OH 44143. Ms. Weingard passed away August 8, 2024 at her sister’s home. Born April 29, 1969, she lived most of her life in Euclid and Willoughby, OH. She was a graduate of the Euclidian Beauty School and earned her state Cosmetologist license in 1999. She had a thirst for knowledge and meeting new people which lent itself perfectly to her longtime role as a bartender. From serving to cosmetology to earning a 4.0 GPA at Lakeland Community College, she was always eager to meet new people and try new things. Always full of energy, ready to go on long walks, and spend time at the beach. She was the loving mother of Ashley N., and Austin C. (Zeljana); cherished daughter of Linda K. Higgins of Willowick and Jim (Tina) Higgins of Canton, GA; beloved sister of Kristen S. (David) Kale, and Stacy Higgins. She is survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends are invited to join family on Tuesday, from 4 PM to 8 PM, to celebrate her life, share cherished memories, and pay their respects. Burial will be private.
Attire: The family requests classy casual attire, encouraging bright colors, especially greens, pinks, and sparkles (her favorite colors), and avoiding any somber colors.
Kim’s celebration of life will be at:
6466 Chase Drive
Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143
Donald Ray Selman
Donald Ray Selman age 82, passed away on August 5, 2024, after a long illness with Alzheimer and Cancer. Loving husband to Dorothy for 61 years. Loving father to Donald Jr. (deceased) Sheila of Ravenna, and Duane (deceased). Proud and loving Grand Paw to Izabella. Loving companion to Pixie. They went on many walks around the neighborhood, Meeting and talking to anyone outside. Don was an avid mechanic, working on family and friends' cars. He had a 20 year love affair with restoring a 1957 Chevy that we named Christine. It looked like it just rolled off the showroom floor when he was finished. We went to a lot of car shows, and won many trophies. In his younger days he loved hunting, fishing, and archery. Always a serious competitor in all his hobbies. Much love and appreciation to Cleveland Clinic Hospice for all their great care. Especially nurse Raven and aide Unique. He will forever be loved and missed.
No Services will be held at this time. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Rebekah Elizabeth Everett (Betuh-Lou)
Rebekah Everett, Age 31, went to be with the Lord Jesus unexpectedly. She was a mom, daughter, sister, Auntie Betuh & friend to many. Loving daughter to Donald Everett & Evelyn Rowan (home with Jesus). She leaves behind 4 beautiful children; Caleb, Elijah, Lilliana and Greyson who she loved with all her heart and soul. As well as, siblings; Phillip, James (Mindy), Angela, Rachel, Hope and Faith. Uncle Mark (Deborah), Aunt Traci (Rick), many cousins and many adoring nieces and nephews. Granddaughter of Captain Herbert H.H. Kothe and Janice Kothe. Closest friend to Amanda T. Preceded in death by her Grandmama, Nona-lou, Mother (Evelyn), Great uncles Elliot and Joseph, as well as her best friend Ryan K. She was a bright, silly, caring, inquisitive, young woman, who will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. We know by God’s grace, through the Lord Jesus, that our Betuh-lou, is at peace and in His arms.
Celebration of life will be held at Victory Lane Assembly of God on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM. 7550 Bellflower Road, Mentor, OH 44060.
Gary Tucker
Gary Tucker, 78, of Perry, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024. Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves behind his loving wife, Bonnie; his children, Tracey (Rob) of Madison and Patricia of Perry; four cherished grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Gary dedicated 34 years of his career to Morton Salt, where he was known for his commitment and hard work. He will be remembered fondly for his kindness, generosity, and the deep love he had for his family.
A Memorial Service Celebrating Gary's life will be held at Perry Cemetery on August 9th, at 11 a.m.
Gary will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love and dedication will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.
The family requests donations be made to(https://alzfdn.org/donate/) in Gary's memory.
Carol E. Madorsky
Carol E. Madorsky (nee Yudelevitz) passed away on July 19, 2024, at the age of 82 in Willoughby, Ohio.
Carol's life was marked by her devotion to her family and her enduring spirit.
Carol is survived by her loving children, Beth Madorsky and Stephen (Margaret) Madorsky. She was a cherished grandmother to Melanie Madorsky, Rachel (Joshua) Molyneux, Amy (Wes) Pledger, Jaime (Jeff) Whitfield, Christopher Madorsky, and Ian Bosher. Carol also leaves behind a legacy of great-grandchildren: Emma, Ezra, Wesley, Benjamin, and Natalie Molyneux; Silas Pledger; Ryan and Addison Whitfield; Cara and Johnny Madorsky; and Bailee Bosher. Preceded in death by her mother, Ethel (William) Oster; father, Benjamin Yudelevitz; daughter, Kim Madorsky; and sisters, Saundra Yudelevitz, Rodine Yudelevitz, Joan Fox, and Norma Goldston.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Brew Kettle, 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor OH from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Marija Blazevic
Marija Blazevic (65) passed away on July 20th 2024, surrounded by her family and closest friends, following a long battle with illness. Marija was a loving wife to Stipo for 49 years, a loving mother to Sasa and Adrijana and mother-in-law to Ryan. She is survived by her husband, children, and many relatives overseas. Marija enjoyed cooking and providing for others, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. She will be greatly missed by everyone who was blessed to know her.
Roy Motulewicz
Roy Motulewicz, age 77, a longtime resident of Willowick, passed away July 10, 2024. Roy was born December 6, 1946 in Cleveland Ohio to the late Stanley and Gertrude (Landig) Motulewicz. He was also preceded in death by his brother Donald (Delores) Motulewicz. He was father to Christopher (Beth) Nagy. He was grandfather to three grandchildren, and uncle to five nieces and one nephew. Dear brother of Wayne (Viki) Motulewicz, Stanley (Lisa) Mathews, Glenn Motulewicz and Doris Bacon. Roy was a US Navy Corpsman who served honorably in Vietnam.
John R. Murphy
John Richard Murphy age 60 of Painesville, Twp., OH. Beloved son of John R. Sr. and Marilyn (nee Gibson, deceased); father of Brandon (Michelle) and Derek (Felicia); grandfather of Juliana, Evan, Ava, Laila, and Leonardo; brother of Randy and Karen Klause (deceased)
John was a 1982 graduate of Fairport Harding High School and was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He had a passion for music and cars. John also had a very deep love for animals. He is leaving behind his best friend Petey, who he took for walks daily.
A celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.
Michael Paul Predina
Michael Paul Predina, age 79, passed away on June 24, 2024. Loving and loved son of the late Paul and Margaret (Ruszka) Predina. Mike was the husband of the late Judith Predina and the loving father of Michael (Antonia) and Keith Predina, as well as the beloved grandfather of Nicole, Gregory and Ella Predina.
Michael graduated from Benedictine High School in 1963 and remained in contact with several of his classmates until his passing. After graduating he worked as a machinist and then as a representative selling and repairing presses and large machinery. Mike was an avid member of the Rock and Roll Capital Street Machines, a car club in Solon, Ohio. He attended many car shows in his 1957 Chevy Nomad and had a passion for automobiles that lasted throughout his whole life.
He was a devoted grandfather and enjoyed being at his grandchildren’s countless events. He cheered on both granddaughters at their softball games and was always seen in the stands of his grandson’s football games. You could always count on him to root loudly for his grandchildren’s teams— win or lose, rain or shine. He loved going to family gatherings and talking to his aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Hall in Penitentiary Glen on August 18th for immediate family. Donations can be sent in lieu of flowers to Rock and Roll Capital Street Machines at 6200 Enterprise Parkway, Solon, Ohio 44139.
Rita Ann Stanley
Rita Ann Stanley, aged seventy-five, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. She was born to William and Rita Stapleton. Rita was raised in Brooklyn and Stony Brook, NY. She earned a Bachelors degree of the College of Mount Saint Vincent, her Juris Doctor degree at Southwestern Law School, and a Masters at St. Mary’s University. Rita married John Stanley on June 15, 1985, in La Canada Flintridge in Los Angeles County, CA.
Throughout her career, Rita was dedicated to helping people. She was Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office from 1978-88. In that position, she headed the Child Abuse unit. From 1990-92, she was the Deputy Director in the Office of Criminal Justice Planning in the California Governor’s office. Later, she worked as Deputy District Attorney in both Amador and Lassen counties in California. After a career change and a move to San Antonio, Rita became an educator, working from 2002-2004 at Medina Valley High School and from 2004-2015 at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas. She taught Advanced Placement courses in English and Government. In both law and education, she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of her clients and students.
Rita and her husband traveled the world. They had a child in Glendale, CA, planted a vineyard in El Dorado County, CA, and lived in the United Kingdom for two years. After moving to Texas, Rita took care of her mother and became involved with Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She led the environmental committee and was a director for multiple ACTS retreats. After retiring, she moved with John to Southern Colorado, where she worked once-a-week as a municipal court judge. They moved to the Cleveland area in 2021.
Friends will remember Rita best by her quick wit, caring advice, and colorful stories. Rita is survived by her husband, John; son, Justin; siblings William, John, Margaret, and Claire; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Amy Jean Kmitt
Amy Jean Kmitt (née Hemphill), 57, of Willowick, Ohio, passed away on July 3, 2024 after a long hard-fought battle with metastatic cancer. Born on April 7, 1967, in Painesville, Ohio, Amy dedicated her life to caring for others, both through her career and personal life.
Amy graduated from Painesville Riverside High School and pursued further education at Bryant and Stratton College of Nursing. Her professional journey as an Emergency Medical Technician and Registered Nurse showcased her unwavering commitment to helping those in need and her hard work and dedication. Amy was so proud to become a registered nurse.
Amy’s zest for life was evident in her hobbies, which included laying in the sun on the beach, sitting by the pool and tanning, cheering on or yelling at the Cleveland Indians, and loving all the "big dogs" and "crazy puppies.” Above all, she cherished loving her family and her many friends she made throughout the years, who stood as the cornerstone of her joy and purpose.
She is survived by her daughter, Jordan (Michael) Weeks; son, Tyler (Brianna) Kmitt; grandchildren, Jacob Fuller, Jillian Fuller, Alexis Weeks, and Elizabeth Weeks; parents, Gail and Charles Hemphill; sister, Patti (Dennis) Oblinger; nieces, Sarah and Emily Oblinger; and several loved cousins near and far. Amy was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and her beloved dog, Chloe.
Family will be holding a service in Amy’s remembrance on Friday July 12th, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Painesville Church of the Brethren 10410 Buckeye Road Painesville, Ohio 44077. The family requests casual attire and should be beach, Cleveland Indians, or purple themed.
The family has expressed that contributions in Amy’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, the University Hospitals Seidman Center, or the Ronald McDonald House.
James “Jim” R. Bright
It is with great sadness that our beloved James “Jim” R. Bright passed away at the age of 74 on June 25, 2024. He fought in the Vietnam War 173 Airborn, Army. He enjoyed spending time with his cats Felix, Deanie, and Zoey. He liked sitting by the fire pit, with his son Jon and friends having a beer.
Jim leaves behind his Loving wife Valerie, and Sons Jonathon, and James (Natalie), Sisters Linda (Bill) Wade, Judy (Archie), and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the late Harold and Goldie Bright. We will truly miss Jim, so until we meet again we keep you in our hearts.
Harry “Jay” Enos
Harry (Jay) Enos, age 85, of Painesville Twp. Was born on December 7th, 1938 and is a life-long Lake county resident.
Jay was a very good man with a heart of gold and will be missed by his family and friends. He loved going to Sandusky as a volunteer for feeding kids.
Jay could fix almost anything, loved drag racing, sports and most of all like spending time with family and friends and loved riding his motorcycle. He was a veteran of the United States Airforce.
He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Diane Enos, daughter Tammy(Troy), son James Enos, stepsons Ryan(Shavonna) and Reese(Rebekah), grandchildren Austin, Justin, Michael, Brandon, Emma, Dominic, Harry, Danielle and Austin. He also leaves his dog Sparky, cats Josie and Harley.
Proceeded in death by his parents Anna David and James Enos(Connie), grandson Josh Evans, brothers Jerry, Ted and Larry.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday July 13th, 2024 at 10:30 am at the ‘Lakeshore Assembly of God’ church located at 8880 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor OH. Lunch will be provided after the service.
A special thanks goes out to Ohio Living and Hospice for assisting in his care.
Dorothy J. Cooper Gaebelein
Dorothy J. Cooper Gaebelein, 69, passed away on June 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Preceded in death by infant son Phillip Aaron, father William, sister Maryanne and brother Bill.
Survived by husband David, daughters Kelly (Wes) Reynolds, Betsey (Ben) Chapman, Jill (Doug) Laukonis. Grandchildren Evan, Emily, Erik Laukonis and Cheyanne (Nitin)Gupta. Mother Helen L. Heath. Siblings George (Mary Beth) Cooper, Linda (Steve) Smith, Deb Cooper-Murray, Mark (Patty Cooper. Aunt Linda McElwain and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dottie’s greatest joy in life were her grandchildren.
A Graveside Service will be held on September 14, 2024 at 2:00PM at the Bellevue Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make any donations to the Lupus Foundation of America or the American Heart Association.
Steve Sajner
Steve Sajner, 71, a life-long resident of Painesville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a decade of fighting and conquering AML and a battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Friends and family were grateful to be by his side to spend his last days together as his final fight concluded. Steve was born in 1952 in Painesville to Steve and Julia (Nemeth) Sajner. He was a 1971 graduate of Riverside High School in Painesville Township and married his high school sweetheart Leila Lampinen in 1973. They were happily married for 50 years and would have celebrated their 51st anniversary together this summer.
Steve, like his father before him, was the owner/operator of Lake County Door in Painesville until the mid-nineties when he decided to sell the business and pursue other interests. Until his AML diagnosis in 2014 and successful stem-cell transplant, thanks to his “perfect match” and dear sister Carole in 2015, Steve had been an avid cross-country and downhill skier. He loved to travel, especially across the country to visit National Parks. He loved spending time with his family and friends, woodworking, canoeing, tending to the vegetable garden, and rebuilding classic cars. He took great pride in rebuilding a 1930 Ford Model A side-by-side with his father before his father’s passing in 1990 and continued to work on his 1969 Camaro until it became too difficult for him. He will be watching over his son-in-law and grandson as they take over where he had stopped.
Steve is survived by his wife Leila (Lampinen); daughters, Lynette (Jon) Ruple of Munson and Suzette (Shane) Horner of Concord; grandchildren, Jonathon (Jack) and William Henry (Hank) Ruple, and Steven, Smith, and Sarah Grace Horner. He is also survived by his sisters Carole (Doug, deceased) Hunt, Judy (Vince) Roessner, and Sandie Sajner and brother-in-law Mauri Lampinen; along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Steve Sajner (1990), mother Julia Sajner (1997), and brother-in-law Doug Hunt (2021).
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date per his wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment to hug someone dear to you and give thanks for those in your life. The family is so grateful for everyone that has been rooting for Steve over the years with prayers and those that were with him at the very end. Should you wish to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; without their medical research, he would not have been a candidate for the transplant that provided him so many extra years with his family and friends.
Margit Jamieson aka Eila Margit Elisabet Salonen Jamieson
Margit Jamieson, aka Eila Margit Elisabet Salonen Jamieson, age 81 of Leroy Twp, Ohio passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on June 4th, 2024. She was born in Juva, Finland on October 30, 1942 to Ilmari and Toini(Savolainin) Salonen.
Margit epitomized the Finnish word Sisu in both life and death. She was tenacious, strong willed, courageous, resilient and determined to succeed in the face of overwhelming odds. Margit left her impoverished and difficult childhood in Finland with a 7th grade education and immigrated to America in 1960 where she flourished. With the support of her sponsors and mentors she graduated from high school in three years.
Margit met the love of her life, Jim, and they married November 24, 1965. She continued her passion for education at Lake Erie college pursuing her scientific interests. She took a break to raise three exceptional daughters, Katrina, Ann Marie and Carol. Her dedication and determination helped her youngest special needs daughter Carol reach her full potential.
Margit returned to college and graduated with a BSN from Kent State University. She enjoyed a successful nursing career as an intensive care nurse at St Luke’s Hospital. She left a lasting impression on her patients due to her compassionate care and dedication to their comfort and well being. Margit finished her career as an educator, training returning nurses in the current skills and technologies at Cleveland State University. She made a lasting impact on her students, many of whom were grateful for her direct, patient, knowledgeable and compassionate methods to successfully train them to provide the best nursing care.
Margit’s interests were multifaceted. She was an avid reader, gardener, seamstress and nature lover. She was also a highly skilled cook, preparing large meals. Most of all Margit thrived on her relationships with her family and friends, having a positive influence on the many people she encountered. Becoming a grandmother, Mummu, to Ayla and Brenna, she shared her passions and infinite love and helped them develop into the women they are today. She was overjoyed when her great granddaughter Lark became part of her life. She spent every moment she could with her.
After retiring she spent half the year at her Gunflint Lake cabin along the Minnesota Canadian border. She was an active and valued member of the community, developing many friendships. Margit was also a world traveler, exploring every continent. She fulfilled her lifelong dream journeying to Antarctica in January 2023 with her family.
Margit leaves behind Jim, her devoted husband of 58 Years, daughters Katrina (Brian) King and Ann Marie (Tim) Whipkey, granddaughters Ayla (Jake) Soderberg and Brenna King, great granddaughter Lark Soderberg, siblings Kaarlo Salonen, Charles Kujala, Marilyn Pirjo Salonen Kujala and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter Carol Jamieson, siblings Sirkka Timonen, Annalee Ilenda, and Bryan Kujala.
A Celebration for Life will be held at Hellriegels Inn, 1840 Mentor Ave. Tuesday June 25th, 2024 5pm - 8pm. Dinner will served with a service at 6pm. In Lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimers Association.
Elsie Marion Hill
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elsie Marion Hill affectionately known as Sally. Sally passed away May 31, 2024 in Painesville Ohio, Sally was born on October 26, 1934 to James and Lenore Wilkie in Cleveland, Ohio
She is proceeded in death by her parents, James and Lenore Wilkie her brother Robert C Wilkie, and two sons Kenneth S. Hill and Robert J Hill she is survived by her brother James Wilkie, Barbara, and remaining children William Hill, Charles Hill, (Regina) Dean, Hill, Keith Hill and Kimberly Christie, (Jan ) Sally loved all her grandchildren and was very proud that she had so many! She had 21 grandchildren 10 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Sally was an active member of the Jehovah witnesses in Mentor Ohio. She loved attending the conventions and assemblies each year, and seeing her friends from all the different congregations she had attended, She loved country music, cowboy hats, traveling playing cards. She was a card, shark crafts and crocheting, blankets dish cloths and dish towels to give to all her friends and family.
She was dearly loved by her family and friends and will be missed by many .
Funeral Services will be at 1:00PM June 15, 2024 at the Mentor Kingdom Hall, 7642 Chillicothe Rd., Mentor, OH 44060.
JOHN J. HOVANCE
John J. Hovance, 76, of Mentor peacefully passed away at home on June 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 24, 1948 in Cleveland.
John graduated from Willoughby South High School in 1966, he was a true South High Rebel making his mark playing football, running track and high jump.
John retired from National Acme in 2010. He enjoyed boating, fishing and playing golf. John’s true love was his family and being the best PaPa to his grandchildren.
Survivors include his high school sweetheart, wife of 56 years, Linda (Miller) Hovance; children Staci (Dan) Lease and Michael (Frances) Hovance; grandchildren Hannah Lease, Stephan Lease, Alexis Hovance and Brooklyn Hovance; sister Cathy Daniels, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Andrew (Megan) Hovance; mother Ruth Hovance; father Andrew Hovance; brothers Robert Hovance, Andrew (Butchie) Hovance and sister RuthAnn Bradley.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110. The family would like to thank the “Angels” from HWR for their loving care in John’s final days.
Rest in peace my love till we meet again.