All Obituaries

Janet Oursler Pappas, 86, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Nov. 29, 2022 after a brief battle with lung cancer. Just a girl from Pikesville, Maryland, Janet met the love of her life, John, while working as his secretary at Rosewood State Hospital just outside of Baltimore. John was a dashing young doctor from Greece who charmed this small-town girl and won her heart and was beloved by her family. Shortly after their marriage...

Lee John “Buzz” Kleinbeck, III peacefully passed away at home on November 29, 2022, with his beloved wife Jeanne by his side. Buzz was born in Akron on February 5, 1945, to Lee and Ruth Kleinbeck, Jr. He graduated from Revere High School in 1963 and proceeded to obtain an associate degree in mechanical drafting from Stark Technical College. Buzz then began a lifelong career as a draftsman working at Stafford Giffels and Bergstrom, now GBC Design, Inc. In 1966, he met, and fell in...

Jessica M. Fast (nee Hospodarsky) passed away November 23, 2022. She was born December 15, 1976 and was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Hospodarsky; and grandfather, Charles “Pops” Klagge. Jessica is survived by her mother, Chris Stanley and “Dad” Dale Stanley; children, Mckayla, James, and Bryce Fast, whom she loved without measure; brothers, Justin (Mary) Hospodarsky, and Aaron Stanley; sister, Alicia Stanley; Gramma Alice Klagge; caring companion, Don; and...

Joseph F. Kalous, 88, of Cuyahoga Falls, formerly of Maple Hts., Ohio passed away on November 22, 2022. Joseph was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 29, 1934 to the late Joseph and Elsie Kalous. He is preceded in death by his first wife Rosemary Kalous (nee Svray); daughter Amy Duffin; and sister Elaine Phillips. He is survived by his wife Rita Kalous (nee Johnmann); children Brian (Terry) Kalous, Diane (Dan Sagraves) Woloszyn, and Elaine Kalous; grandchildren Matthew (Kristen Carmona)...

Shirley Jean Backos Minich, 76, of Wadsworth passed away on November 16, 2022 due to complications from M.S.  “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free, my God, my Savior has ransomed me, and like a flood His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace.” Shirley hopes to be remembered for her strength, faith, and love for her family and friends. Born November 19, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Charles and Evelyn Backos. Shirley grew up in Cleveland Heights where...

“She’s a little wildflower, with a lot of warrior underneath.”   Elise Tabet McLaughlin, 26, of Green, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, in Long Beach, California.  Elise “Ellie” was the beloved daughter of Alicia Tabet, John McLaughlin (Yenny), and Robert (Angie) Hoose; adored sister to Lexi McLaughlin, Mackenzie Hoose, and Everett McLaughlin; and cherished step-sister to Josie Christie and Keegan Christie; proud Aunt to...

Jenifer Hren Gaffney, 61, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2022, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Jeni began her journey with cancer 15 years ago and lived her life to the fullest. Jeni was born in Boulder, Colorado on September 26, 1961. Her family then moved to Mount Vernon, Ohio. It was there she found a passion for all animals, especially horses. Jeni followed this passion to earn her Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine at The Ohio State University graduating at the...

Mary Rose Mahoney, 68, passed away Monday, November 14th, 2022. A devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and host of gatherings, Mary’s family was her first priority and great joy. Born in Cuyahoga Falls and raised in St. Joseph’s Parish, she dedicated her life to the true Catholic spirit of service to those in need. As a teenager, Mary was nationally recognized for her volunteerism in nursing homes. She went on to complete a degree in social work and began her career at...

Shirley M. Scranton, age 87 of Akron, OH, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2022 after a long battle of medical & physical illness.  In her younger years, she had been a Christian day school teacher, (3rd & 5th grades) for Zion Lutheran Church (downtown Akron) and a proud Mother. Music was important in her life. She served God by soloing & playing piano in the church.  She was preceded in death by her husband, H. James Scranton; daughter, Deborah Scranton; and...

Harry William Fritts was born June 24, 1924, the son of Thomas Ivan and Bessie Schaal Fritts. He grew up in Erie, PA.  He earned both a BS in chemical engineering and a Masters of Industrial Science from Columbia University, where he played the trombone in the band and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He served in the US Navy and Naval Reserve during and after WWII. He was married to Jane Miller Fritts for 69 years. He worked for Alcoa for many years, at facilities in New...