Cathleen A.

Straffen

Cathleen Ann Therese Straffen, age 56, passed away on October 29, 2026

She was the life partner of Derek Wells. Cathleen was the daughter of Geraldine and Allen Straffen (Donna Straffen, Mollie & Dave Ziemke and their daughter Lydia) and the sister of Paul Vrtancik (Danielle) and Patrick Straffen (Therese Salvator, son Thomas Salvator and Melody). She was the aunt of Francesca Vrtancik, Dustin Sinkovic, Timothy Sinkovic (deceased), and the great aunt of Jaden Sinkovic and Alex Griswold, and Liam and Nora Salvatore. Cathleen is also survived by her aunt, Carol Korunda; her uncle Victor Sinkovic Jr; and her cousin, Jody Dubsky. She was preceded in death by her former spouse, Marc Ringer.

Born January 11, 1970 in Cleveland, her family moved to Madison where she attended school for all twelve years. In high school she competed in track and cross country and lettered in both sports all four years. She was also a very avid skier.

After graduating in 1988, she attended Kent State and later the University of Akron.

Cathleen began her career in an entry-level position at Bock and Clark and steadily advanced to become Director of Project Management. Shortly after Bock and Clark was acquired by NV5, Cathleen was invited to be present at the New York Stock Exchange for the ringing of the opening bell celebrating NV5’s achievements. She remained the Director of Project Management for their business line after the acquisition.

In 2009 Cathleen joined the Ohio Lady’s Golf Association where she held several offices, including President, and she formed many long-term friendships on and off the golf course. Cathleen and Derek later became members at Walden, where they enjoyed golfing and socializing, and building new friendships. Cathleen was also very active in the Walden Women’s Golf Association.

Cathleen also loved to travel and spend time with Derek in Texas and lived life with energy and enthusiasm.

Cathleen was a natural born leader and was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her ability to have conversations with friends or perfect strangers was one of her special qualities. She had a smile that could light up a room and an infectious warmth that drew people to her.

She will be remembered for her laughter, her friendships, and the bright spirit she brought everywhere she went.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m at The Bertram Inn, 600 N. Auroa Rd, Aurora, OH 44202.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Cathleen’s name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

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