Suzanne Frutchey Obituary (1935-2021) – Barberton, Ohio

Suzanne died on September 29, 2021 and played French horn duets with her husband Bob in the heavenly music room. Despite being fully vaccinated, Suzanne passed away after a rare breakthrough from COVID-19. Please get yourself vaccinated in Sue’s honor, if not to protect your family and friends. Sue was born on January 11, 1935 in Lansing, Michigan, and graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor and Master of Art degree. During her studies Sue played the French horn in the women’s marching and concert band, in the orchestra and sang in the acapella choir. Sue was an honorary member of the Tau Beta Sigma Women’s Music. Bob and Sue were married for 56 years and enjoyed music, travel, and family activities – and most importantly, their love for one another. Ask any of us how they met! Sue was a teacher at Akron and Barberton Public Schools and was recognized as a Jennings Scholar. In her later career, she developed the substance abuse and addiction prevention program for the Barberton Public Schools and wrote award-winning curricula that were presented in schools across the country. Sue was a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Community Band and the Bethany Band and supported Bob’s work with the Kiwanis and the Akron Symphony Orchestra. She was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Barberton, where she sang in the choir and served in the soup kitchen. She also retained her active membership in the Summit County Retired Teachers Association. Sue enjoyed all kinds of needlework, music, and playing with her two cats. She wanted to leave something special for her family, so she designed and made 12 quilts for each child and grandchild. She was busy hand-knitting scarves for her carers and friends. Sue’s death went to her parents Dr. Kenneth and Caroline Warren and their little brother William advance. She leaves behind her children, Kenneth (Lynne) of Fullerton, California; Kris Becker (Steve) from Vancouver, Washington; and Robert (Heidi) of New Philadelphia, Ohio; Grandson, Lindsay (Austin), Katherine; Karsten, Alayna and Jensen; Robby (Alyssa), Benjamin (Roxann), Sam and Maddy; and three great-grandchildren, Robert Davis, Emma Marie, and Grayson Samuel. Everyone she loved and deeply touched. Thank you to the staff and administration of Park Village New Philadelphia for the past five years of care and friendship. Instead of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Barberton and the Akron Symphony Orchestra. Due to the pandemic, a celebration of Suzanne’s life has been announced and will be held at a later date.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on October 3, 2021.