Susan Ruth Zehner passed away on March 8, 2024 following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 72.
She was born on August 18, 1951 to parents Norman & Ruth (Loeffler) Schanne in Cheektowaga, New York. Sue grew up in New York but moved to Mansfield, Ohio in her early 20’s, and rented an apartment from Melvin Zehner. The two fell in love and on February 4, 1978 they were married. Together they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage.
Throughout life Sue was a hard worker. She earned her cosmetology license in early adulthood, sold Home and Garden parties, and worked at Fusco Cleaners after moving to Mansfield. However, her passion and life’s work were firmly rooted in her love for children and teaching them the love of Jesus. Susan was a second mom to many as she worked at Mansfield First Assembly Childcare for 25 plus years and finished her career at MedCentral Childcare on Carpenter Road in Mansfield.
Sue was a long-time member of Mansfield 1st Assembly Church, where she participated in various plays like Heavens Gates and The Gospel According to Scrooge. She was also instrumental in raising funds for missions, and was especially proud when one of her famous pies was auctioned off for $300.
In her spare time, she enjoyed baking all sorts of delicious goodies and hand crafting angel figurines, which she gifted to many. But above all, Sue cherished her family- she would never hesitate to drop everything for her family.
She is survived by her loving husband Melvin Zehner, sons David (Tonya) Zehner and Jonathan (Holly) Zehner, grandchildren Ayden, Colton, Lauren, Liam, Alanna, and Luke, sister-in-law Ruby Pfeifer, many nieces and nephews, and a great-grandchild due to come on her birthday of this year.
In addition to her parents, Sue is preceded in death by brother Norman Schanne, an infant sister, brothers-in-law Harold Zehner, Roy Zehner, and Stan Pfeifer, and sisters-in-law Maxine Zehner and Doris Zehner.
The Zehner family would like to extend a special thank you to special friends Jim and Diana Crawford, care-giver Brianna Goldy, Mansfield First Assembly Church and Childcare family, and the Wedgewood Estates staff.
The Zehner family will receive friends on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 5-7 pm in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. A funeral service honoring Sue’s life will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. Pastor Thomas Blair will speak. Burial will follow in New Olivesburg Cemetery.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Sue’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home, Marion Avenue Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com