Susan Annette Ritzie Spencer 1935-2026

Susan was the daughter of Robert Luther Ritzie and Edna Boyle Ritzie and the wife of WWII veteran and engineer Robert Spencer, whom she married in 1975.

She attended Westminster College in Pennsylvania, graduating with a master’s degree in education in 1966. Susan taught elementary school at Roosevelt Elementary in McDonald and for one year in Naples, Maine.

She was proud of her five years of service in the American Red Cross, where she spent two years on board the hospital ship, the USS Sanctuary (AH-17). She served off the coast of Vietnam in 1967-1968. The ship received wounded servicemen and civilians. Service on Sanctuary was dangerous and important work. She continued her ARC work in military hospitals stateside.

She worked for many years at Cleveland Psychiatric Hospital as an administrative supervisor.

In retirement, Susan and Bob traveled on Mississippi riverboats. While onboard, Susan worked as the children’s recreation director. She was also a competitive slots player, which afforded her the opportunity to travel and compete all over the country.

In 2000, Susan self-published a book titled “In Your Hands — In Your Heart, A Guide to Successful Aging.” The book’s premise was that we all have within us three ages — the chronological, the physical, and the psychological. It is a fascinating read.

Susan survived two episodes of breast cancer — many challenging decisions were made. She defeated the cancer at great personal sacrifice, and it never returned.

One of her favorite memories was when her Aunt Ann taught her to crochet at age 10. Others had tried, but Susan was left-handed, which made the lessons difficult. Right-handed Aunt Ann took the time to teach her, and Susan crocheted gifts for the rest of her life.

Another memory is when her Uncle Frank Boyle would walk with her to Grandma Boyle’s house, while everyone else would drive there. Susan and her uncle would talk about the neighborhood architecture and events. It made Susan feel special and smart.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert; her sister, Audrey O’Connell; two brothers, Robert Lewis and Thomas; and her niece, Cindy Amsler.

She is survived by her stepdaughters, Rebekah Flesher and Sally Youngblood; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Ritzie; her nephews, Gary O’Connell, Robert Ritzie and Tim Ritzie; her nieces, Linda Brown, Nancy Ritzie Jacobsen, Lora Ritzie-Wardman, Mary Brotherton and Janet Kieffer; and her six stepgrandchildren.

As her last act of philanthropy, Susan elected to donate her remains to the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine to assist medical students in their educational advancement.

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