Susan Kay Gowitzka-Rinner, 69, of Bellevue, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 21, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 7, 1957, in Sandusky, Ohio. She grew up in Vickery, Ohio, and graduated from Fremont Ross High School. Susan spent her life surrounded by family, creativity, and the simple joys of home and nature.

Susan dedicated many years of her career to Woolen Products where she worked in the lab programming Coordinate Measuring Machines. She took great pride in her work and truly enjoyed the time she spent there.

Susan was a woman of many passions. She loved gardening and took great pride in maintaining a full garden and caring for the beautiful flowers that filled her back patio, where she often enjoyed the sunshine. She also found joy in painting, cooking, baking, and sewing —creative outlets that allowed her to share her talents with the people she loved.

Susan cherished her family above all. Generous and loving, she lived by her favorite saying: "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar," a testament to her warmth, patience, and unwavering heart.

Susan will always be remembered for her radiant spirit, her fearless heart, and her courage and determination, which knew no limits. Her unshakable strength and grace inspired all who knew her. Her stories and adventurous spirit will continue to bring laughter to those who loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Patrick Rinner; her beloved daughter, Tara (Tahj) Rinner; her stepdaughters, Brittney (Daniel) Long and Melissa (James) Rinner; her mother, Eleanor Gowitzka; her sisters, Betty (Dennis) Kaufman, Robin (Dean) Koch, Sharon (Gary) Fedeli, Sandy (Jeff) Naugle, and Stacey (Jeremy) Busack; and her brothers, Arden (Robin) Gowitzka, Tom Gowitzka, and Tim Gowitzka; her sister-in-laws, Shelley Rinner and Cindy (Rodney) Iehle; and her brother-in-law, Dale (Debbie) Rinner. She leaves behind her grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members.

She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Gowitzka; her grandparents, Emma and Luther Gowitzka; and her sister-in-law, Mary (Chuck) Rinner.

A celebration of Susan's life will be held at Ransom Funeral Home in Castalia, Ohio on Saturday March 28, 2026 from 2-4 pm. We invite you to come as you are, dressed casually, and if you wish, wear something that reminds you of her. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Humane Society to honor Susan's love of animals.

Her family will forever cherish the love, strength, and unforgettable spirit she brought into their lives.

Humane Society of Erie County
1911 Superior St., Sandusky OH 44824