Irene L. Spellman

Irene Lois (Scurtie) Spellman, 88, passed away peacefully at home February 23, 2021. She was born August 14, 1932 in Akron, Ohio to Joseph and Matilda (Pressler) Criss. She eloped and married the love of her life, Harry Dale Spellman on July 20, 1950. Many people have remarked about their love and how they enjoyed seeing them still holding hands and caring for each other.

Irene loved her family very much and enjoyed being around them. She and Harry often remarked how blessed they were by their three children becoming such good and responsible adults. Her grandchildren remember her for always taking time out to play with them when they were little and to listen to them. She was very proud of them and her great-grandchildren.

Irene served in different occupations, but all of them showed her love of talking with and helping others. She was a member of Wedgewood United Methodist Church where she had been active in serving others as long as her health allowed. Irene loved spending time with the Lord by praying and reading His word. If anyone showed up on her door step, whether family, friend or stranger she was always ready to put out some food and sit down to listen or talk. Her life showed a true servant’s heart. Irene demonstrated her love for others by listening to them, sharing in their problems and doing what she could to help them.

She was preceded in death by her loving son, Harry Dale Spellman Jr.; 3 great-grandchildren; and brothers and sisters, Joseph Criss Jr, William Criss, Helen Bonne, Louis Criss, Matilda King, Fredrick Criss, Elizabeth Sdono, Julia Gezzar and Delores Adelman.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Harry; daughters, Becky (Bob) Waltz and Suzette (Joe) Wolfe; grandchildren, Jeremiah (Carey) Bear, Erin Burtoft and Lauren (Steve) Martin, Joshua (Samantha) Wolfe, Matthew (Kelly) Wolfe, Joseph Wolfe, Caleb Wolfe, Hannah Wolfe and Jacob Wolfe; 17 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Henry (Billy Sue) Criss.

Irene’s family would like to thank Jasmine May for her loving care of their wife and mother.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 12 noon at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St., with Pastor Joe Burkhardt officiating. Calling hours will be at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service, from 11 a.m. - 12 noon, with burial at Hillside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Wedgewood United Methodist Church, 2350 Wedgewood Drive, Akron, OH 44312.

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