Carol A Rueth

Carol Ann Rueth died surrounded by a room full of loved ones on May 4, 2025 at age 78. She was born to Eileen and Edward Rueth. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Eddie Rueth, her former husband, Kenneth Czekalski, and her husband, John Brinza. She is survived by her brother, Tom (Linda) Rueth; partner, Paul Tatulinski; daughters, Eileen (Michael) Ours; Catherine (Brandon) Downs; stepsons, Michael (Jill) Brinza, Mark (Cheri) Brinza, grandchildren, Matthew, Sam (Morgan), Hannah and Daniel Ours, Brandon (Olena) Holland, Cody (Julie) Holland, Abigail, Katelin and Peyton Downs, Nick (Pamela) Brinza, Jillian (Michael) McCaa, Alyson Brinza; great grandchildren, William, Elizabeth, Scarlett, Casey, Paisley, Chloe, Ella, Haven and Harlow.

On October 25, 1978, Carol started her journey in Alcoholics Anonymous. In the rooms of AA she found a program that changed her life, the lives of her family and all those with whom she came in contact. The twelve steps gave her a playbook for a more serene life. She loved attending both Al-anon and AA conferences, going to meetings, picnics, Newburgh Social Club, inviting others into her home or meeting them for coffee. Service provided a way for her to give and receive, as it made her feel more whole. She found a loving God who was her daily companion and best friend.

Carol had too many jobs to list and never stopped taking care of others. Working for Mr. Coffee brought professional successes, funny stories, and many friends. Later in life, she took pride in her job as secretary of Holy Name Church in Cleveland where she enjoyed helping others and making more friends. Her final career path was being a health aid at Vista Center and Crandall Medical Center. This experience led her to become the most compassionate, committed, and patient centered home health caregiver. Relationships with others were paramount in Carol’s life.

Carol loved her family unconditionally. She made a point to send affirmations to those she loved on a regular basis. Playing with grandchildren and great-grandchildren while using her creativity brought her much joy. She also loved reading, listening to audiobooks, McDonald’s coffee, long kitchen table conversations, rearranging furniture, meditating, journaling, good food, turtles, chickens, rabbits, cats and dogs. She had a heart for all underdogs.

Carol will be missed by so many humans and animals. She left a legacy of genuine love matched with a great sense of humor. May we all carry those same traits forward in her memory. If you knew her, you were changed for the better. A Celebration of Life will take place Thursday May 8th from 5-6pm at Almost Home, 230 S 12th Street Sebring. At 6pm we will have a time of sharing and would love for you to share something about Carol if you feel so moved. Friday May 9th a Catholic Mass will take place at Holy Name Church 8328 Broadway Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44105. Lunch after 10:00 am mass on Friday at 10806 Granger Road. Hall is Club 4130. Next to Grand Ballroom Garfield Heights 44125. In lieu of flowers we are suggesting donations be made to Carol’s two favorite zoom AA meetings: Solon Sunday morning Group. VENMO: @katherine-wolford-6 or Thursday night pass group; Zelle payment at donjordan56@yahoo.com and Cashapp, at $donjordan56. Arrangements are entrusted to Dean’s Funeral Home Sebring, Ohio.