Sara Marie (Hartman) Hoover, 93, of Charlestown passed away peacefully at home on February 3, 2015 surrounded by her family. One of 12 children, she was born in New Martinsville, West Virginia, on July 6, 1921, to the late William and Cloyie (Watkins) Hartman. Sara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years Howard Hoover on January 2, 2015; sisters Gertrude Rogers, Louise Holtsclaw and Evelyn Koran; brothers Eugene, Clarence, Robert, Edwin and Norman; and son-in-law Daniel Bartholomew. Survivors include daughters Janet (Rick) Burt and Ruth Ann Bartholomew; grandchildren Tracy (Kelly) Burt, Erin (Joe) Ruggles and Eric (Kristen) Burt; great grandchildren Sophie and Duke Ruggles; sister Ruth Wells; brothers Roy and Clyde; as well as many nieces and nephews. Sara was especially known for her love of her church, her cards, her Cleveland Indians and, most importantly, her family. Anytime there was downtime at a family gathering, she quickly got out her deck of cards to start a game of Euchre or Hand and Foot. She loved playing cards so much she started a Tuesday afternoon game club at Charlestown United Methodist Church where she was a loyal member for 73 years. Sara rarely missed watching an Indians’ game and was quick to bring them up in conversation during the season. While she was known for being one of the kindest women around, she also was not afraid to wag her finger at you and let you know when you did something she did not approve of. After moving to Portage County in 1941, she worked at Pyramid Rubber in Ravenna before becoming a full-time mom. She was known around the community from her days as a teacher’s aide at the former Charlestown Elementary School and from being an election worker for 25 years. In later years, she and her husband volunteered with the County Clothing Center and Meals on Wheels, and donated blood for the American Red Cross. But the thing Sara loved most was her family. She enjoyed having get-togethers with all of her immediate and extended family and was usually the one doing the majority of the cooking since her recipes were the most requested. She was incredibly excited to welcome her great grandchildren this past November and they were always able to bring a smile to her face in her final months. The family would like to give a special thanks to Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice for the wonderful care they provided. Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 at Charlestown United Methodist Church, 6408 Rock Spring Road, Ravenna, Ohio 44266. A funeral service will take place at the church on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at 1 p.m. with Reverend Greg Hogan and Reverend Norma Bates officiating. Burial will take place following the service at Charlestown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the Charlestown United Methodist Church Building Fund, 6408 Rock Spring Road, Ravenna, OH 44266. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel.
