HUNTSBURG TWP. – Ann Youshak, 106, of Huntsburg Township, passed away peacefully, March 13, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.
Ann was the oldest Geauga County resident, having turned 106 years of age on Nov. 16, 2019.
She was born to Michael and Sophia Kuchta, in Chisolm, Minn. She was the second oldest of 10 children, Mary (dec.), John (dec.), Michael (dec.), Helen (dec.), Julie, Eva, Steve (dec.), Nellie, and Millicent (dec.).
When Ann was 6 years old, her parents bought farmland in Windsor, Ohio. The family worked hard clearing their land for farming. They grew grain crops, including wheat and corn, and also raised dairy cows.
Ann met Isadore, her future husband, when they both attended the Russian Orthodox Church Sts. Peter and Paul, that was established in Huntsburg on state Route 528. Ann and Isadore were married on Nov. 7, 1937, and lived in a new home he built in Huntsburg.
Neither Isadore nor Ann had high school diplomas. They worked hard and sacrificed much in order to send their children to college.
Ann is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Walter; sons, Dr. I.J. “Jack” (Barbara) Youshak, O.D.,
and Dr. Michael Youshak, DVM.
Ann has eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was totally devoted to and supportive of her entire family.
Besides her parents and several siblings, she was preceded in death by her husband, Isadore Youshak; and son-in-law Frank Walter.
Ann was always a great cook and loved to make traditional ethnic foods for her family, such as Halupki (stuffed cabbage), pierogies, Haluska (noodles), homemade bread and the Holy Night Supper on Christmas Eve.
She held many jobs while her family was growing up, including working for the 1950 U.S. Census, the Huntsburg school cafeteria, TAPCO in Euclid and at Johnson Rubber Company, where she made many lasting friendships.
Ann’s philosophy of life: “I worked hard, took care of my family . . . I did what I had to do.”
Calling hours are Sunday, March 15, 2020, from 3-7 p.m., followed by a Parastas Service at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2020, at the funeral home. Burial following at Middlefield Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made in Ann’s name to Archangel Michael Orthodox Church, 5025 E. Mill St., Broadview Heights, OH 44147, or to Hospice of Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.