Susan Elizabeth Chlysta

Sue was born in Ravenna, Ohio on November 21, 1969. She attended Ravenna public schools and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1988. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Kent State University and was employed for a time as a dispatcher for the Village of Windham. Sue then served the Portage County courts as a clerk for 22 years.

Sue was somewhat unique in our mobile society in that she lived her entire life on the Chlysta family farm in Ravenna Township. The farm was her magical place. She thought of it as "idyllic," a "paradise," the kind of place "where people vacation to." Cows, chickens, pigs, ducks, geese, cats, and her beloved dogs all played starring roles on the stage of her youth, but Dad and Mom (Russell and Elizabeth (Barilla) Chlysta) and sister Cheryl Chlysta were the leads -- the very rock of Sue's life. She loved driving the tractor for Dad and helping Mom can and freeze the farm's abundant summer produce. Meanwhile, brothers Russell and John Chlysta would rope Sue into BB guns, the Browns, and backyard baseball. (They still regret that bad-hop ground ball to Sue at shortstop, but fortunately her front teeth healed well.)

In their later years, Sue and Cheryl both lived on the farm and shared a sisterhood that was as close as any and more mischievous than most. They enjoyed attending America concerts, variety shows, movies, and a casino now and then.

Sue was known and treasured for her countless random acts of kindness that brightened many lives. Even as her health declined she thought of others first, sending Kiwanis roses, Christmas wreaths, sentimental notes, and restaurant gift cards to friends, family, and acquaintances. She kept Amazon busy, always thinking of the perfect gift to bring a smile to someone else.

A nostalgic person at heart, Sue would often reminisce about old times on the farm, family vacations throughout the country, and the people and events that colored her life in Ravenna. She loved old TV shows and movies, pop culture, music of the 70s and 80s, and, lordy, those Browns. She was also proud of her Ukrainian-American, Slovak-American, and Catholic heritages and the traditions, foods, and celebrations of each.

Our loss is heaven's gain, as Sue celebrates now with Dad, Mom, Cheryl, and many aunts and uncles. Still here to mourn Sue's passing and to remember always her sweet smile and gentle soul are her brothers Russell and John; beloved sister-in-law Sherry Chlysta; and Sue's precious niece and nephews Katherine (Katie) Elizabeth, Nathan Russell, and Matthew Lane Chlysta, all of Hudson. Sue is also survived by Aunt Susan Talpas of Parma, Uncle Michael Barilla of Georgia, and cousins, friends, and acquaintances throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond.

Calling hours will be held at Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home in Ravenna on January 5, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial, Rev. Chad Johnson presiding, will be celebrated on January 6, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Ravenna's Immaculate Conception Church, where Sue was a member. Sue will be buried next to Cheryl at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna. Sue loved flowers but would love even more any random acts of kindness performed in her memory or a gift to support critters in need.

"They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint." (Isaiah 40:31).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com for the Chlysta family.