Marilynn Jeanne (Steagall) Sammy-Klabbatz

Marilynn Jeanne (Steagall) Sammy-Klabbatz passed away on Thursday, November 23, following a short illness. She was 89.

Marilynn was born September 18, 1934, the oldest of three children to Neal and Catherine (Rodeman) Steagall. She grew up in Tallmadge. As a child, she took care of her parents and siblings, beginning a lifetime legacy of providing advice, care and guidance to anyone who needed it. Ornery and independent to the end, she dearly loved her family and was fiercely protective of her grandchildren.

She graduated from Tallmadge High School in 1954. She attended Akron University, studying mathematics and computer science and had numerous careers, including becoming a Realtor. She became a member of the "Million Dollar Club" multiple times while helping countless people find the homes of their dreams over the years.

A resident of Suffield for the past 60 years, she was active in many community organizations, including the Suffield Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Field High School Band Boosters and Athletic Boosters, youth sports and civic clubs and the list goes on. An extremely competitive and creative personality, she coached softball for many years. Her athletes and competitors still talk about her ability to understand every nuance of the rulebook, often better than the umpires.

She was a gifted artist, working in ceramics, oil paints and photography, as well as crochet and needlepoint – she typically won blue ribbons for everything she entered at the Portage County Fair. She had a master gardener's green thumb and loved feeding and watching the birds and squirrels at her home.

Marilynn is survived by her children; Cathy Brennan; Michael; and Renee (Doug) Kaufman.Multiple extended family members, including thirteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, mourn her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, and her husbands, Richard Sammy and James Klabbatz.

A service of remembrance and celebration of her life will be 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 9, 2023 with a service at 11:00 a.m. at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

In her memory, the family requests donations be made to the Portage County Humane Society or the Suffield Fire Department.

Portage County Animal Protection League
P.O. Box 927, Ravenna OH 44266

Suffield Fire Department
1256 Waterloo Rd, Mogadore OH 44260