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Accepting Donations
(Sample Bench)
IHS Graduates & The Alumni Association are partnering to place a memorial tree, bench and plaque in the Independence city park in honor & memory of Bill Taylor. You are welcome to participate! Questions: Call or text – Bob Wagner (’66), 757-202-7750
The cost for the bench, tree and plaque are estimated to be $1,150.00. To Date, Over $500.00 has been donated.
Checks should be made out to the IHS Alumni Association, with notation “Bill Taylor Tree,” and mailed to:
IHS Alumni Association
6001 Archwood Rd,
Independence, Ohio 44131
Raymond E Matejka
Raymond E Matejka, age 88, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024. Cherished husband of the late Marsha Matejka for 55 years; dear father of Raymond Matejka (Carrie), Randall Matejka, and Melanie Prestage (Jim); brother of Norma Macuski (the late Mike), and Glenn Matejka (Judy); grandfather of Melissa Hendrix (Tim), Kayla Pashovich (David), and Jacob, the late Justin, and Emily Prestage. Great grandfather of Jameson, Finn,
Sawyer, Dani, Silas, and Judah.
Ray was a proud lifetime resident of Independence and was the kind of person who made an impression on everyone he met.
He served his country in the United States Army at Ft. Knox and retired as an electrician from The Illuminating Co. Ray could be described as kind, loving, faithful, and cheerful.
Friends may call at Vodrazka Funeral home, 6505 Brecksville rd., Independence on Friday, April 12, from 4-8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be observed at St. Michael Catholic Church, Independence on Saturday, April 13, at 12:30 pm. Ray will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Valley City immediately following mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation at www.myasthenia.org
Lucy Sobierj
Lucinda “Lucy” Sobieraj Champa, 66, passed away March 17, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Mirko; Loving mother of Andrew Champa (Caroline) and Zack Champa (Kelsey); Cherished grandmother of Livy Champa;
Dear sister of Ted Soberay (Barb), Ron Soberay, Linda Sobieraj, and Laura Hurst (Eric); Life partner of Bob Beastrom; Beloved aunt of John, Mark, Ryan and Adam Soberay, Xandra Hurst and Nicholas Randlett.
Preceded in death by her parents Ted and Angie Sobieraj. Lucy was an accomplished entrepreneur, most recently the owner of Zero Zest in Parma and previously Cone Zone. She was the glue that held her family together, and was always the catalyst for fun and memorable parties. Lucy will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on through the memories she created with her loved ones. Rest in peace, dear Lucy. Family will receive friends on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Fortuna Funeral Home in Independence. Prayers at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael Church at 12:00 p.m. Interment Maple Shade Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Heart Association in her memory.
