Susan G. Ripple-Rhett

Suzy Ripple Rhett was born March 15, 1965. Her proud parents received their only child with joy and a love that taught her the value of life-long service to others. The “service to others” she learned from her parents became the light and strength and arc of her life. Though repeated personal and professional gifts of time and support, Suzy joyfully expanded her life’s clear vision of service to her family and professionally. As an educator, she quietly achieved a legacy of success for a generation of Columbus City Schools students of every background, gift, and need. As a young student, Suzy attended Columbus City Public Schools, graduating from Linden McKinley High. After high school, she attended The Ohio State University. Graduating, later she enrolled in the University of Dayton Master’s program for Educational Leadership. She also completed course work for a doctorate in Education from Ohio University, left with only her research before finishing the degree. Suzy went to work for Columbus Public Schools, her life long employer, as a special education teacher at Beery Middle School. She expanded her skills; she was selected as a Leadership Trainee at Independence High School, then an assistant principal.

Her career advanced rapidly as she was increasingly given additional administrative duties: Suzy served as the director of adult education, and curriculum director for Columbus high schools; she was also the executive director for curriculum, leadership and development for Columbus City Schools. Her most recent position had been interim executive director for Human Resources.

After a long courtship, Suzy married Michael L. Rhett, and they have one son, Cole. As residents of Columbus, Mike served on several community boards and volunteers; Suzy kept busy with the many productions and showcases for students throughout the school year and the many committees and meetings that are required of administrators. They both found time for many friends; many are here today. Their family, urged by Cole, joined St. Timothy’s parish in 2011. Suzy watched Cole receive his first communion at the altar.

Suzy was preceded in death by her father, Herbert (June 2013). She leaves to celebrate her amazing memories, her mother, Edwina “Eddie”; her husband, Michael “Mike” a retired Columbus police officer; a son, Cole, a fifth grader at St. Timothy’s School; a brother-in-law, Walter Rhett; neice, Damali Rhett, and her sister-in-law, Portia Parris (Reggie) and nieces, Caryh and Pia Parris; her cousins, David Ripple, Debbie Kullman (Doug), Christina Naffa, Michael Ripple; a multiple of friends and co-workers that include two special groups, the 5th grade mom’s group at St. Timothy’s and her CCS support group, are among many in a widening circle who will deeply feel the loss of her spirit.

Suzy died September 2, 2015. Quietly, without fanfare. In morning’s night, she peacefully answered that voice we can not yet hear. Called, she left us and went to serve. She will have the table ready when we gather. Pray, as we prepare.

Family will receive friends Monday, September 7, 2015 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL 6699 N. High St. Worthington, OH 43085. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Saint Timothy Catholic Church, 1088 Thomas Ln, Columbus, OH 43220, with Father Timothy Hayes and Bishop C. Joseph Sprague officiating. A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Union Cemetery Association, 3349 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus, OH 43202. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kobacker House c/o OhioHealth Foundation PO Box 600001 Columbus, OH 43272-9802 or take a loved one out for a meal. To share a special memory of Suzy please visit www.schoedinger.com.