Susan Kay (Hershiser) Ditz, age 76, of Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, Ohio. She was born on May 21, 1949 in Willard, Ohio to the late Raymond and Dorothy (Dorf) Hershiser.
Susan had an incredible drive and passion for helping others which resonated with her peers and coworkers for a span of over fifty years. A career that began as being one of the first women to become a Willard City Firefighter then evolving to become an ER Registered Nurse at Willard Mercy Hospital. As time passed, Susan morphed her career into being a nurse advocate for patients who were in catastrophic situations, being their voice and liaison to third party administrators and workers compensation. Throughout this amazing career, she found her comforts and peace at her house on the lake with her soulmate, kids, grandkids, family, and friends indulging in all her favorite pastimes; boating, fishing, cooking, traveling, and making handmade cards for special occasions.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph “Joe” Ditz whom she married on August 22, 1970; daughter in law, Amy Ditz, grandchildren Gavin and Lillian Ditz of Youngstown, Ohio; son, Brian (Jennifer) Ditz, grandchildren Alexa and Logan Ditz of Olmsted Twp, Ohio; and daughter, Shana Ditz-Ousley, of Willard, Ohio grandchildren Trenton (Simone) Ousley, Gabrielle (Michael) Sanderson, Caleb Ousley, great grandchildren Weston & Hazel Ousley and Brynlee and Adalyn Sanderson.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a son, Chris Ditz, a son-in-law, CJ Ousley and two grandchildren Adrianna and Ethan Ditz-Villaneuva.
Visitation will be at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with the Rosary being recited at 8:00 PM. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM with Fr. Eric Mueller celebrating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Willard, Ohio or the Arthritis Foundation. Online condolences may be made to Susan’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Steve Ayres - Jul 16, 2025
Joe and family - I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Sue in the I.T. Department at Sherwood Medical Industries in the mid 1970’s. She was always such a positive person and just fun to interact with. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of Sue’s family and loved ones.
Wendy Daniel - Jul 15, 2025
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Ditz Family. May the memories you hold bring comfort in the days to come.
Maggie, Jim, Tim, Dan, Pat, Molly, Sheila - Jul 15, 2025
Jim and family, We are so sorry for your loss of Sue and hold your family close in our hearts and prayers. Thank you Sue for your service to others and our community. May the lord hold you in the palm of your hand until we meet again.🙏
Mary and Darwin Weatherbie - Jul 15, 2025
Was saddened to hear of Sue’s passing as she lived a life for others. She was a very caring person who had a heart of Gold. JESUS and all her loved ones who have passed are there with their arms opened to welcome her home and JESUS saying “ Come My Faithful Servant I have prepare a special place for you.” Keep all those treasured memories close and she will forever be with you. Keeping you all in my prayers during this difficult time .
Pat Arnold (Perry) - Jul 14, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Sue. Susie lived across the street from me and was my first friend outside of my family. I remember (and tell all my kids) of all the things we did together growing up on Kautz Street and our adventures at the lake. May your memories be a blessing to you
Deb - Jul 14, 2025
I enjoyed working with Sue at the hospital. So sorry for your loss. In my prayers
Barbara Hiltbrunner - Jul 14, 2025
So sorry for your loss she was a wonderful person and a great classmate,sending prayers to everyone.
Marilyn Fryman - Jul 12, 2025
Joe and family I was very sorry to hear about Sue passing away. I have not seen her for many years but remember what a great nurse she was to work with at Willard Hospital. May peace be with you.
Marsha Ganni - Jul 11, 2025
Joe and family, Sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. Growing up I remember Sue telling her mom that I never had rhubarb pie so Sue and I had to go cut rhubarb from their back yard. So I had my first piece of rhubarb pie…I Have some good memories with Sue. Joe Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Jen Barnett - Jul 11, 2025
Shana, You have had so much loss in a short period of time. My heart breaks for you. I hope to spend time with you soon.
Karen Snoeyink - Jul 10, 2025
I am sorry to the family for your loss and may you find comfort as you think on all your wonderful memories. I am daughter of Paul and Marilyn Cok and have met Joe and Sue on occasion.
Margaret Drury - Jul 10, 2025
Dear Joe and Family, I am very sorry and sad to hear of Susan's passing. She was a model of courage for all of us. May beautiful memories FILL each of you.
Alice Schiefer - Jul 10, 2025
Gary and Rose Pittenger - Jul 10, 2025
We are so sorry. Sue was a very special lady. She helped me when my mother was in hospital and died. Will never forget her caring and comfort. She loved her family very much. And she loved sharing stories about them. Rest in peace Sue. You will be missed 💔
Bill, Jamie, Olivia Krabill - Jul 10, 2025
Ditz family - words cannot express how sorry we are to hear about Sue. Shana - I am forever grateful for the wonderful memories I have at your house growing up. Your family is our second family and we love you all immensely. Thinking of each of you today, tomorrow, and in the days ahead. I am going to miss being called daughter #2. Please know that our family is always here for you.
Lofty and Judy crofts - Jul 10, 2025
Shana, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom...our deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family... May she R.I.P
Joe Reiderman - Jul 10, 2025
Joe, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You, and your family are in our prayers. Sue helped pave the way for our female Firefighters, E.M.T.'s, and Paramedics. When she started with the department in 1979, she was one of a handful of females in the area that took on the challenge of a male dominated career. Not only did she prove that a women could persevere in this job, but she also often outworked many of her male counterparts. I am proud to have worked with both of you. Our department would not be where it is today without the Ditz family. The Firefighter Flag at the Huron County Firefighters Memorial on Shady Lane in Norwalk will be lowered to half-staff in her honor through Tuesday, July 15th. God Bless.
Newman & Darlene King - Jul 9, 2025
We are sorry to see this. I worked on The Willard Fire Dept. with Sue & Joe. They were great to work with and I will miss Sue. Condolences to the Ditz.
Dan and Sandra - Jul 9, 2025
Today my heart is broken. I've just learned of the death of my beloved friend, Susi. We met one high school summer when I was up in Ohio working on the muck, spending the summer with my Grandpa and Grandma Gahr. We met because Joey is my cousin. We became fast friends. I can't believe this is real. They only just left from being here but l was already looking forward to their next trip to Florida. Susi will be so missed...there really are no words to express how much. God bless you Joey and all the family and friends. Susi loved you to the moon and back. And we loved her. Till we meet again.
Lisa - Jul 9, 2025
Shana and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bette Reynolds - Jul 9, 2025
We have never met in person but I just want to express my sympathy for all the grief and heartache you have had to endure. I know of you through my son, Brett.
Donna Myers - Jul 9, 2025
Joe and the Ditz Family; I am sending my deepest sympathy with the loss of your dear Sue. I became acquainted with Sue through work at the hospital. As a supervisor, she came to the department with "sleeves to the elbow", never shying from the work. Sue loved her family more than anything else and it was very evident when she had great events to share. After Sue retired we kept in touch through mutual interests. Rest in the arms of your Savior Sue. There is a special place for servants like you.
Rhonda Grama - Jul 9, 2025
My Deepest sympathy to Joe, Shana, Brian, & all family. My heart is totally broken over the loss of our beloved Sue. I loved her dearly & had many happy memories of our childhood together, growing up as cousins. We both had the love of water & good times. I’m so glad I got to enjoy lunch with Joe & Sue 2 mos ago in Punta Gorda, FL!!!! I’m so proud of Sue & who she had become as a loving & caring adult!! She truly LOVED her families!! Big hugs & love to the entire families. Rhonda & Amber Grama 🙏🏻💞💞🙏🏻
Mark and Sandy - Jul 9, 2025
Joe - We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Sending our prayers and deepest condolences to you and your family. Sue will be greatly missed.
David & Jeanne Carmean - Jul 9, 2025
You have our deepest sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
- Jul 9, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy. 🙏🏻
Mary Harmon - Jul 9, 2025
Although I only knew Sue for a short time, through the card making group at the Senior Center, she was a very nice woman and will be missed by many.
Ruby Greer - Jul 9, 2025
Joe so sorry for your loss. Sue and I always had fun being together while making cards.
Robyn - Jul 9, 2025
Deepest sympathies. She was a dedicated nurse, but was always proud of her family.-
Robyn - Jul 9, 2025
Deepest sympathies. She was a dedicated nurse, but was always proud of her family.-
Robyn - Jul 9, 2025
Deepest sympathies. She was a dedicated nurse, but was always proud of her family.-
Jackie Ratliff - Jul 9, 2025
Joe, Brian, Shana and family, Sue was such a kind caring friend whom I’m gonna miss dearly. I enjoyed talking to her every week and we solved many world problems. She will be missed by all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Jim and Sandy Blum y - Jul 9, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Prayers.
Gracie Dials - Jul 9, 2025
Joe, Brian, Shana, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Francine (Doan) and Larry Smih - Jul 9, 2025
Joe and family our deepest condolences. Graduating with both Sue and Joe and the class get togethers lots of great memories over the years. Larry always enjoying the conversations at those get togethers also. Know our hearts go out to you all. Lord be with this family offering them comfor,t, strength, reassurance, and your love. The last few years have been difficult for this family, hold them all close and bless them all as they go through this journey. Bless them with cherished memories that warm their hearts now and during those hard times. 🙏❤️ Keeping in our thoughts and prayers. RIP
Jaime Householder - Jul 9, 2025
Sincere condolences to you all during this time.
Marsha Graser - Jul 9, 2025
I have such fond memories of talking and laughing with Sue. May your heart be filled with her love and memories. she was a kind and wonderful woman.
Linda Veletean - Jul 9, 2025
Joe, Brian, Shana and family. I feel so badly for all of you. Please know that each and everyone of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dwayne & Shelley Hershiser - Jul 9, 2025
Joe & family. So sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ken Hay - Jul 9, 2025
Joe and family, I am sorry to hear about Sue. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Debra Lagaly - Jul 9, 2025
Prayers for comfort! My sincere condolences!
