Katherine Mary Kratz, mother, wife, psychologist, insatiable traveler, fierce advocate for justice, and wellspring of joy and laughter, died at age 71 of lymphoma in Cleveland, Ohio on September 1st, 2026. Katherine was born on May 4, 1955, in Peru, Illinois of parents Sally (McDiarmid) and Myron Kratz. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Western Illinois University, then began a two year placement in the Peace Corps working in South Korea. At the conclusion of her commitment, she embarked on a journey of discovery and adventure lasting three years and crossing many countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe where she lived, worked, and explored. Upon her return to the U.S., Katherine settled in St. Paul, MN. She soon enrolled in a Masters in Educational Psychology program at the University of Minnesota. She worked as a study abroad advisor for the University of Minnesota’s International Studies Institute, while volunteering at a women’s reproductive and mental health center and in various social change movements including and especially feminism. Upon earning her degree in Ed Psych in 1989, Katherine secured a two-year fellowship at St. Paul’s Hamm Clinic to further develop her counseling skills. In 1988, Katherine ate lunch at ...Read More

Nancy Hupp Kotchman, 92, of Parma, Ohio, died at her home, surrounded by loved ones on September 6, 2026. She was born on April 27, 1934, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Kotchman was a graduate of Washington Hospital School of Nursing and devoted her life to caring for others. She served as a nurse at Cleveland Clinic and Deaconess hospitals. Nancy was the devoted wife to Paul Kotchman for 71 years. She was also a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she was known in her community for her quick wit and compassion. She is survived by her son, Donald Kotchman (Nancy), and her daughter, Niki Pearce (Ken). She is also remembered by her grandchildren, Sarah K. Wahl (Eric), Paul (Amber), Thomas (Holly), Tyler (Caitlin), Rachel and Halle Kotchman, Allison K. Worthington (Anthony), Taylor P. Ridge (David), Logan (Amanda), Garrett and Nolan Pearce; and by her great-grandchildren, Anna, Mac, Ava, Addie, Francesca, Ian, Carson, Colton, Charlotte, Andrew, and Noah. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Kotchman; her sons, Michael (Vivian) and David Kotchman; and her daughter-in-law, Anne. Throughout her long life, Nancy will be remembered for the care she gave in her work, the dedication she gave to ...Read More

May 17, 1971 – August 20, 2026 Arlene Cintron, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on August 20, 2026, at the age of 55. Born on May 17, 1971, to Stan M. Vitkovic and Halina Vitkovic, Arlene was the youngest sister of Andy Vitkovic. She spent most of her life in Cleveland, Ohio. A bright and determined student, she graduated from high school in 1989 with excellent grades and moved to Chicago that same year. While in Chicago she met her first husband, Ray Cintron, and together they welcomed their son, Ricardo E. Cintron. After their divorce she returned to Cleveland, where she continued to build her life and career. In 2011 she graduated as a web designer and went on to work for ARM in Seattle, Washington, and Austin, Texas. She later opened her own business in Asti, Italy, pursuing her professional passions with the same drive and creativity that marked her life. In 2021 Arlene became a grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter, Gabriela—a role she cherished deeply. Arlene was a loving mother and grandmother whose kindness, compassion, and unwavering love for her family and friends defined her. Though she faced struggles in life, she will be remembered for the warmth ...Read More

April 3, 1962 – August 12, 2026 Diana “Dee Dee” Neely, 64, passed away on August 12, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, cherished memories, and many people whose lives were made brighter simply by knowing her. Dee Dee was a loving mother, grandmother, cousin, aunt, and friend. Above all, family held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her loving sons, Michael Neely of Lorain, Ohio, and Eric Neely (Tabatha Wetzel) of Greenville, Virginia. Her beloved grandsons, Ryder and Kyson Neely, were truly the light of her life. Being their grandmother brought her immeasurable happiness, and the love and pride she had for them could be felt by everyone who knew her. Dee Dee is also survived by her dear friend and cousin, Cyndi Wixson; her niece, Janet Wixson; and many other treasured family members and friends whom she greatly adored. Dee Dee had a special love for butterflies, a beautiful reflection of the joy, beauty, and gentle spirit she carried with her. Butterflies held a meaningful place in her heart and will forever serve as a special reminder of her to those who loved her. For many years, Dee Dee received care at The Heights Healthcare Center, where the staff became ...Read More

Geraldine Ann Helbig (née Sullivan) died peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, at the age of 92. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sarah and John; her ten siblings, John, Kaye, Sara Coletta, Virginia, Anna, Eileen, Lillian, Edward, Patrick, and James; her loving husband, James Bernard Helbig, married in 1953; and her cherished grandsons Andrew Helbig and Patrick Shea. Gerrie leaves a legacy of her eight children, James (Cindy), Dennis (Toni), Sara McMaster (Stan), Frank (Diane), Loretta Dolan (Jim), Marybeth Dugan, John (Dawn), and Eileen Shea (Pat); 19 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. She grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and then raised her own family on West Blvd. While parenting her children alongside a working husband in the Cleveland Police, she urged her kids to, “Be kind,” and “Use Christian names, Christian names only!” In their retirement, Gerrie and Jim traveled the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. They lived in Vermillion, Ohio, and Bayonet Point, Florida, and enjoyed bocce ball, family gatherings at the beach, and occasional trips to the casino. Gerrie loved her friends and family, and always had a cup of tea and a candy dish for visitors. Through joy and challenge, she had a great sense ...Read More

March 1, 1945 – August 12, 2026 Linda Gaye Ehrhardt, 81, died at her home in Westlake, Ohio, on August 12, 2026. Linda was born in Sandusky, Ohio, on March 1, 1945, to Robert James Ehrhardt and Grace Ehrhardt (née Brandt). She spent much of her childhood in Bellevue before her family moved to Brook Park. In 1963, she graduated as a member of Midpark High School’s first graduating class. She later completed her practical-nursing education at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland and became a licensed practical nurse. As a single mother, Linda centered her life on raising her three children. She stretched limited resources to provide for their needs, made sacrifices for their education, and taught them the importance of faith, perseverance, and creative problem-solving. Linda became a Christian in 1983 and was a member of the Brecksville Church of God of Prophecy at the time of her death. Her faith found expression in practical service. She sang in the choir, cared for children in the nursery, and earned her commercial driver’s license so she could drive the church bus. Through the church’s outreach ministry, she brought children and families from throughout Cleveland to Sunday services. Her help ...Read More

William H. (Bill) Scopel, Jr. of Berea, Ohio passed away in his sleep at age 83 after a rapid decline in health.  Born in Cleveland in 1943, Bill is preceded in death by his parents William H. Scopel, Sr. and Marie (Miller), and baby sister Mary Beth.  He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Karen (Kornuta), daughter Stephanie Harper, sister Sue Dress (Ray, predeceased),  brothers-in-law Keith Kornuta (Susan) of Mountain View AR and Nick Kornuta (Cindy) of Houston TX, as well as sister-in-law Nancy Kornuta (Danny Radvansky). Cherished uncle to Tracy (Tim) Lion, Scott (Cathy) Dress, Tim (Maria) Dress and beloved great uncle to Jack and Kate Lion; Ray and Abby Dress; Michael, Ava and Gianna Dress; Annalise, Elizabeth and Wesley Kornuta.  Bill excelled at sports at St. Ignatius High School, honorably served in the Vietnam War as a Marine, and enjoyed a 35-year career at Northwest Airlines in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida where you could find him on the golf course on his days off. Upon retiring, Bill and Karen made the decision to return home to Cleveland to be near family for their golden years.  A mass of remembrance will be held at St. Clarence church in North Olmsted on Thursday, September 10, 2026 ...Read More

Judith K. Zetts (nee, Anderson), (Aunt Judie), beloved Aunt, Stepmother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, at the age of 85.  She was born on October 26, 1940, and was a proud graduate of Independence High School in Ohio, Class of 1958. Throughout her working life, she held positions primarily as a secretary and bookkeeper, bringing her intelligence, dedication, and wonderful sense of humor to everything she did. She spent 30 years living in Florida before recently returning to Ohio, where she was lovingly cared for by and shared a home with her two nieces.  She was a motherly presence not only to her nieces, Wendy and Lisa, and her nephew, Steven, but also to many others who were fortunate enough to know and love her. She was preceded in death by her beloved Husband, Andrew R. Zetts, her parents, Clarence and Amelia Anderson, (nee, Gburzynski), her Sister Carol L. Cornell and brother-in-law, Howard H. Cornell.  She remained a cherished Aunt, stepmother to Andy’s Children and a step-grandmother and step-great-grandmother to their families. She had a creative and artistic spirit and found joy in many things.  She loved the theater, art, museums, music, reading, ...Read More

Owen MacKay, 47, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, August 2nd, after years of battling debilitating health problems. Born in West Berlin, Germany during the closing decade of the Cold War, Owen lived in Germany, Maryland, Japan, Germany again, Virginia, Ohio, Virginia again, Florida, New Mexico, and finally back to Ohio. His travels gave him a taste for adventure and new culinary experiences, and developed a remarkable talent as an amateur chef. Having demonstrated both interest and skill in technology, Owen would become one of the youngest Master-certified auto repair technicians in the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence’s history. Owen used these skills in auto repair facilities for many years, until health issues forced him to retire. Even in retirement, he would use those skills - on a less-frequent basis - to assist family and friends with auto servicing needs. An avid motorcyclist, Owen rode just about anything with wheels, but his pride and joy was a Ducati Panigale. In retirement, the Duc became the focus of his skills as he ensured that it remained in top riding condition. He could be found, in riding weather, with a group of friends as they explored northern Ohio. His love ...Read More