Claude Shelton Stringer, age 89, passed away on November 2nd, 2021 in Garfield Heights, Ohio. He was Born January 8, 1932 in Sedgwick, Arkansas to Claude and Ruby Stringer. Claude and his late wife, Annette moved their family to rural Chester Township in 1965 and promptly became involved in the local community. Claude as a Scoutmaster and Annette as Den Mother. Many boys obtained Eagle Scout under Claude’s leadership. Raising their children and opening their home to anyone who needed a place to lay their head or a wonderful homecooked meal was the hallmark of the Stringer home. There was always food…lots of food…and warm hospitality in their little home on Cherry Lane. In 2001, Claude and Annette sold the family home and moved to Hambden Township and that is where they stayed until their deaths. Michael (son) and his wife, Lori, and 2 boys, Lee (Angel) and Johnathan (Jessi) welcomed them into their home and they were blessed to live the remainder of their days surrounded by family.
Claude’s youth was spent orphaned, abused and homeless. He joined the Army at the age of 15 and was stationed in Korea. Because of his childhood, Claude had a heart for children, and so did Annette. They became foster parents in Geauga County for many years and as a result of that, were blessed with two more daughters, Jamie (Jay) Gomez and Chastity (Christopher) Safranek. In their time as foster parents, Claude and Annette were instrumental in changing the laws to allow foster parents to adopt a child in their care. Claude remained close to his children and grandchildren, even after Annette’s death in 2007.
Claude had a servant’s heart. Beginning with the Boy Scouts, he was involved in many organizations over the years, most recently with Faith Fellowship Church. There Claude led an Addiction Recovery Group, was involved in Children’s Ministry, he also delivered food through Feed My Sheep Ministry for nearly twenty years. In addition to the aforementioned, Claude leaves to cherish his memory the following; son, David, daughter, Cindy Sadler; grandchildren Amber (Sebastian) Moody, Nathaniel (Reeva) Stringer, Ryan and Laura Sadler, Amanda (fiance’ Alex), Sevana, Luke, and Jaden Gomez, Nicholas Safranek and Alexis Stringer; Great Grandchildren Dillon, Danny, Stella, and Gwendolyn Moody, and Breonna Stringer; Sisters Wanda Dziewit and Patsy Shaft; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Our world will be a little less joyful but our hearts have known the love and support of a great man. We will “catch you on the flip side”. Friends may call at GATTOZZI AND SON FUNERAL HOME, 12524 Chillicothe Rd. (Route 306 N. of Mayfield Rd.) Chesterland, from 3-5pm on Saturday November 13th, 2021, where Funeral Service will be held at 5pm. Donations in his memory may be made to Grow Thailand (please see link below).
