08/22/2026
It is with a broken heart that I inform all of you that we have sadly lost another of our 1967 classmates. Sue (Roynon) Hartenstein gained her angel wings yesterday (as if she didn't already have a pair). She succumbed to the oh so wicked Lewy Body Dementia. I had not mentioned this previously as Mike and Sue were pretty private about her illness until recently and Sue did not care to have people visiting her. As it often does, the symptoms came on suddenly and obviously took their final toll just as rapidly.
Sue and I did our usual jaunts to craft fairs in the fall and the Hartensteins, Guths, and Karchers all brought in the New Year together as we have for nearly 40 years without her showing any symptoms. She started to have sleeping problems and anxiety which progressed intopsychiatric issues. She also had some symptoms which mimicked Parkinsons which run in her family. One thing led to another and she underwent multiple testing to rule out multiple neurologic diseases. She was finally diagnosed at Cleveland Clinic (I can't remember the exact month) and by summer was confined to a wheelchair although she still knew all of us and was communicating logically at times. The last month has brought a rapid decline and she has been under the excellent care of Hospice.
You can find the obituary written by Mike at:
https://www.wonderlyhorvathhanesfuneralhome.com/obituaries
He and Kristen took wonderful care of her and Craig and Eric camped out at home and were great support for Mike.
How do you say goodbye to your "bestie"? I'm trying to figure that out. She was the kind of friend every girl should have in her life. From taking our babies in strollers to the malls to watching our grandchildren grow up, we did it together. The 4 of us took all our vacations and trips to the lake together. I wouldn't wish her back to the misery she endured, but I sure wish I didn't have to live the rest of the days I have on this earth without the misery she endured, but I sure wish I didn't have to live the rest of the days I have left on this earth without her. She was the best. God hold you in His loving arms, my dear friend.
Those wishing to send condolences to Mike can do so at 1686 Tomahawk Trce, Fremont OH 43420. I'm told our memorial fund is adequate and donations are not needed at this time.
Joyce Brown Guth