Mary Sue Kerata

Mary Sue Kerata, 73, went home to continue being with the Lord on Sunday, November 27, 2016. She had been in a coma for 100 days, where her family and loved ones felt the presence of the Lord by seeing her peaceful expression and knowing she heard them praying for her each day. Mary Sue was born in Lakewood, Ohio and grew up in Cleveland, graduating from Saint Joseph’s Academy, then working at Prudential Insurance prior to her marriage to Ken in 1965. She has called Hartville, Ohio home since 1975. She was a church member at Bethel Church in Canton, Ohio and at Ravenna Assembly of God. Mary Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mary (Kolaczko) Appleyard, and by her infant brother, Daniel, and infant sister, Jennifer. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Kenneth, as well as siblings Andrew Appleyard, James Appleyard (Carol), Deborah Shorts, Geoff Appleyard, and Edward Appleyard (Debbie). Mary Sue and Ken have six children: Christine Evilsizer (Marty), Jennifer Coons, Kelly Laughlin (Michael), John Kerata, Debbie Kerata, and Kevin Kerata (Susan). She adored her four granddaughters, Alexis and Catrina Evilsizer, and Cate and Niomi Kerata. Mary Sue was passionate about making sure she and Ken raised their six children to love God and to follow Christ’s example. She always taught her children to think of others first, and to consider God’s Kingdom and eternity, rather than status or possessions. This was also evident in her example of giving, how she constantly gave her love, her time, and money to minister to her family and to others. While still a full-time mother, she felt a call on her life for ministry and began formal study, which she completed over ten years. At Ravenna Assembly of God, she led the “Reaching the Ready” ministry teams, going door-to-door sharing the Good News of salvation. She led numerous prayer groups, Bible studies, and intercessory worship. Mary Sue also had a love of music, singing and writing lyrics. She sang and played the guitar in Christian coffeehouses in the 80’s, and continued singing in church in later years. Much of her ministry was less formal but far-reaching. Each morning for the past 30 years she would go out for breakfast, and would spend time praying, studying scripture, and journaling, while also ministering to anyone who came to her table. For the last 10+ years she spent her mornings at Akron’s Farmer Boy restaurant, and people would often seek her out, asking for prayer and counsel. For the last year at Bethel Church in Canton, she built relationships, shared the love of Christ, and committed her time to others in a servant relationship. If she sensed that someone wanted to talk, she would share with them---at Church, in supermarkets…anywhere, regardless of the time or place. Her husband can attest to this! Her legacy to all of us is the example of her Faith in Jesus Christ. Calling hours will be Monday, December 5th, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver UNIONTOWN Funeral Home, 3553 Northdale Street NW, Uniontown, OH 44685 (one block NW of the square of Route 619 & Cleveland Avenue). Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 6th at 11 a.m., with Pastor Scott Spencer officiating. Burial at Woods Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. (Hopkins Lawver, UNIONTOWN 330-733-6271) www.hopkinslawver.com