Irma L. Ketterman

Irma L Ketterman, 94, of Wadsworth, Ohio, passed away November 24, 2025 after a brief illness. Irma was born in Charleston, West Virginia on August 21, 1931 relocating to Akron, Ohio in 1955.

In the early 1960’s she began her sales career in cosmetics at the M. O’Neil Company in downtown Akron.  Thirty plus years later in 1996 she would retire from furniture sales with the J.C. Penney Company at Chapel Hill Mall.

Certainly, her family and friends mourn the loss of this remarkable lady.  She was feisty, funny and smart.  Irma was a voracious reader with a sharp intelligence and a quick wit. She was an excellent cook and baker much to the delight of her family and friends. However, her talents did not stop there.  She was a very accomplished seamstress and used her skill doing tailoring and alterations for the Bon-Ton dress shop in Arlington Plaza in the 1950’s to help support her family.

Irma did not shy away from challenges - she met them head on.  She was strong, resourceful and resilient.

She excelled at completing crossword puzzles (the New York Times was her favorite) and word jumbles and WORDLE.  She always enjoyed being with family and friends and engaging in a competitive game of dominoes or pigs.

One of her favorite treats was chocolate candy - especially See’s  Chocolate but she would limit herself to one piece per day for as she would say - “that’s all you need, the second piece is never as good as the first!”

Irma was preceded in death by her second husband, Paul Ketterman and youngest son, Paul Brian Newell and sisters, Mary Lou Sigmon and Kathleen Coleman.

She is survived by her son, David L Newell of Orlando, FL; daughter, Rebecca (Becky) Tiranno (Chuck) of Wadsworth, OH; grandchildren, Christina Ruby Boudreaux (Brandon) of Indiana, PA; Paul R. Newell, Katherine Newell Boylan and Madeline Newell Freeman; beloved brother William (Bill) Berry (Vivian) of Charleston, WV and many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

Memorial service to be held at Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home, 39 S. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio on January 3, 2026 at 11:00 am.

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