Rosemary J. Sutter

Rosemary J. Sutter, age 77, of Crestline, passed naturally yet unexpectedly, Saturday afternoon, December 7, 2024.

Rosemary was born January 9, 1947 in Shelby to the late Charles Joseph and Joan Theresa (Kellner) Sutter. Beginning at Sacred Heart School, she graduated 8^th grade then attended the all-girls boarding school, Villa Maria Academy, in Villa Maria, PA, from where she graduated in 1964. Stories of her time at “The Villa” were frequent throughout her life- this her 60^th anniversary of graduation. Following high school, she attended the University of Dayton where she studied history and education. Her educational formation was pivotal as it molded a life full of learning and teaching. Upon her graduation from UD, Rosie took a job with the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

It was just prior to the 1970-1971 school year that she interviewed with, and was hired by, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for a position at Patrick Henry Junior High School to teach social studies- which she taught for many years and eventually served as department chair. This era of time teaching in Cleveland certainly left Rosemary with a lifetime of stories about students and school life. Although her working life was in Cleveland where she would be during the week, she would return home as frequently as possible to Bethlehem, Shelby Settlement, especially annually for summer vacations. Her love and passion for helping students succeed resulted in further education at John Carroll University earning her master’s in education with a focus on school counseling/guidance. Rosie’s remaining time in the CMSD was at Nathan Hale Junior High School as a guidance counselor. Her 35+ years of service was always matched with a positive attitude as she thrived in watching students succeed in their education.

After her retirement, Rosie moved home to the Sutter family farm and homestead in the Shelby Settlement. Her time away from students was short lived as she quickly became a guidance counselor at Galion High School for several years. Additionally, Rosie volunteered with the Ohio Reads program where she not only assisted students to improve their reading abilities but took time to learn and know about the students and their families.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church- the families, church, and school- were everything to Rosemary. She was a faithful active lifelong member of the church, giving her time to many church functions. These included the church’s annual festival and events, their Altar Rosary Society, collection counting, leading the sunshine committee, and being active with “The Heart of Bethlehem” campaign focusing on the future of Sacred Heart School.

Rosemary’s interest in history, events, and people matched well with her knowledge of all things happening and personalities of the Shelby Settlement- both past and present. And her calendars were marked always with the most important life events and kept for years for records of things that have happened. Rosie could have conversations with any person, of any age, of any background, and on any topic. She truly loved spending time listening to people about their lives and accomplishments- especially those at cherished family reunions.

Her home, the family homestead, was always welcoming to any and all. She loved mowing her yard, keeping it pristine and meticulous. She was an excellent baker and was well known for her homemade strawberry and peach jams- all of which was shared with family and friends. A cup of black coffee often paired well with a good book, the Wallstreet Journal, or a crossword puzzle and cheering on Cleveland sports, especially the Indians, was a constant. Rosie was an excellent gift giver, and a baby was not born, that she had a connection to, who didn’t get a card or gift amongst the thousands of cards she sent to others for all sorts of occasions.  She will certainly be remembered by those close to her for her zest for life and truly caring about the people around her.

Rosemary is survived by her nieces: Michelle (Rodney) Blaising of Crestline, Gretchen Sutter (Brian Deehr) of Lexington, and Melinda Sutter of Texas; great nieces and nephews: Abby Blaising, Sam (Grace) Blaising, Dylan Sutter, Luke Sutter, and Colton Deehr; sister-in-law: Maxine Sutter of Fredericktown; and many Metzger and Sutter cousins and extended friends of the Settlement with whom she was very close. In addition to her parents, Rosemary was preceded in death by her brother: Robert J. Sutter, Sr.; and beloved nephew: Robert J. “Bob” Sutter, Jr.

Family and friends are welcome on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Rosemary’s Funeral Mass will be Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5741 State Route 61, Shelby. Msgr. Dennis Metzger will celebrate the mass with Fr. Jeff Smith concelebrating. Burial will be with her parents in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School.

Condolences may be left on Rosemary’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).