Sue Smalley

Sue (Haller) Smalley, 79, of Avon, passed away on September 8, 2021 at the Avenue of North Ridgeville after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.



Sue was born December 10, 1941 to the late Alton Edwin and Fairy Irene (Risinger) Haller in Bucyrus. She graduated in 1969 from Bucyrus High School and was a majorette in the school’s marching band. She then left Bucyrus to attend Sullins College in Bristol Virginia. After graduation, she moved to Florida to attend the University of Miami. Upon receiving a bachelor degree in education she worked as a sales manager at Neiman Marcus, while enjoying sailing and the Florida life.



This was interrupted by the sudden death of her father in an automobile accident. She then moved to Sandusky be with her mother. She and her mother became interested in the family genealogy. They successfully traced ancestors enabling Sue to being accepted into both Daughters of the American Revolution and The Mayflower Society.



While managing a Top Value redemption store, she met the love of her life, Robert Smalley. The two met at a ski club and hit it off. They dated for a few years before marrying on September 22, 1973. After settling in their home in North Ridgeville, she devoted her time to raising their wonderful daughter.



Upon her daughter’s high school graduation the family moved to Avon. Sue began teaching at Cleveland Public Schools as an elementary school teacher. She would instill her students with a desire to read and learn for 15 years before retiring.

Sue was known for being easygoing and friendly. Robert and Sue would socialize with friends at a wine club called the Dead Yeast Society. The club activities consisted of making and drinking wine while spending time with others. The two also enjoyed boating and for 30 years would boat at the Venetian Marina in Sandusky. Sue also loved to dance. She could often be seen dancing in the kitchen to classic rock and occasionally have the family join her. Sue’s favorite way to spend time with her daughter and grandkids was reading with them before bed when they were young.



Sue is survived by her husband of 50 years; daughter Susannah (Mark) Whiteaker; and her grandchildren Samantha, Nicholas, Makayla, Elliott, and Lilliann Whiteaker. She was preceded in death by her parents.



Her family will receive friends from 12- 2 PM on Monday, September 13 at Wise Funeral Service with a graveside to follow in Brokensword Cemetery at 2:30 PM with Mark Dettmer officiating. Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Alzheimer’s Association and sent to the funeral home at 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Photos and memories can be shared on Sue’s tribute page.