Susan Ralich, 59, Dedicated Mother & Homemaker
Susan Ralich (nee O’Neal), age 59, of Lorain, passed away peacefully at the home she had shared for the past five years of her illness with her mother-in-law and care giver, Agnes Ralich, on the morning of August 6, 2012.
She was born in Elyria on September 13, 1952 and had been a life-long resident of Lorain.
Sue was a 1971 graduate of Admiral King High School and went on to attend the Northern Institute of Cosmetology.
A dedicated home-maker and stay-at-home mom, she was always joking with others and was well-known for her often sarcastic sense of humor. Sue wasn’t intimidated by anything and always loved a challenge. If she was told that something could not be done, her stubborn and persistent nature often proved that it could. Although protective of her family, she made friends very easily.
While her children were students at Saint Peter School she was extremely involved as a volunteer there; she served as a volleyball and track coach as well as holding the post of Athletic Director for many years. She was also a regular volunteer at the church’s annual parish festival and served as a volunteer in the gift shop at the former St. Joseph Hospital for many years.
She was a talented baker and was frequently engaged by friends and family to bake for their special occasions; in her free time she loved gardening and growing flowers. A devotee of the music of Pink and Lady Gaga, Sue also enjoyed studying and watching birds.
Survivors include her son Richard E. “Eli” Ralich, Jr. (Jessica) residing in Lorain, and daughters Nicole Taylor (Harlan) also of Lorain and Sarah Fultz (Mark) of Avon. She also leaves grandchildren Sierra, Jasmine, Ty’cere, Harlan, Alora, “R.I.”, Seth, Autumn, and Kassidee. Additional survivors include her mother-in-law Agnes Ralich (nee Toth), brothers Robert O’Neal (Ruth) of Watervalley, Kentucky, James O’Neal (Bonnie) of Lorain, and “Spanky” O’Neal (Sherry) of Sullivan, along with sisters Carol Hensley (Bill) of Lorain, and Debbie Hall (Steve) also of Sullivan. In addition, she leaves 125 nephews, nieces, great, and great great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard E. Ralich, Sr. in 2011, by her parents Bacil H. and Margaret E. (nee Lilly) O’Neal, by her brother Charles O’Neal in infancy, and by her sister Patricia Wiseman.
Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway, Lorain. Members of the St. Peter Rosary Group will recite the rosary at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Friday in the Catholic Church of St. Peter, 3501 Oberlin Avenue. (Please meet at the church) The Reverend Craig Hovanec, Pastor of the parish will officiate. Committal services for the family only will be conducted in Calvary Cemetery on Saturday with the Reverend Robert Glepko, Pastor of Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church officiating.
To share your memories and condolences with Susan’s family, please visit www.gluvna.net.