Dolores Ann Smith Chechak

Dolores, also known as Dee, was born in Kent, Ohio on March 27, 1928 to parents Oliver and Louise Smith. Dee earned her Master's Degree in Library Science at Kent State University. She went on to work for Cleveland Public Libraries, and then Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna. When her children were in grade school, she became the first full time librarian for Ravenna grade schools, starting at Rausch, and eventually opening libraries at all grade schools in Ravenna. Under her direction, Ravenna Elementary School libraries were the first in Portage County to be computerized. She taught the students how to use the Dewey Decimal System so they would be able to find books at public libraries.

Following her retirement from Ravenna schools, she went on to be a member of the Reed Memorial Library board of trustees and was involved in the planning of the current library.

In the seventies and eighties, Dolores and her husband Tom owned the Stone Jug Restaurant in Kent, where they made many lifelong friends.

Dee attended the First United Methodist Church of Ravenna where she loved singing in the choir and volunteering for many years.

She had a passion for reading, enjoyed playing the piano, traveling, and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Dolores is survived by her children: Chris Chechak of Evergreen, Colorado, Paul Chechak of Ravenna, and Lori Chechak of Dublin, Ohio, along with her grandchildren: Matthew (Karice) Chechak, Joshua (Savana) Chechak, and Sarah McDonald. Dolores also leaves her brothers: Franklin Smith, and Tom (Anne) Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tom Chechak, her brother, Robert Smith, and her daughter-in-law, Valerie Chechak.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. Her family will receive friends to celebrate her life at the First United Methodist Church, 263 S. Prospect St., Ravenna, on Friday, November 24, 2017 from 1:00-2:30pm. Memorial Service will follow at 2:30pm. The family will have a private inurnment to be held at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.Wood-Kortright-Borkoski.com