Sylvia Brake Staats

Sylvia Brake Staats, born on January 16, 1921 to Ison and Kathryn Woodruff in the Thomastown area of Akron, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her heavenly Father on November 11, 2013.

Sylvia graduated from East High School in 1938. She worked for the U.S. Bureau of Naval Personnel in 1941 and for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in accounts payable, retiring with 27 years of service in 1978. She volunteered many hours at Akron General Medical Center. A godly woman, full of love, kindness and generosity, she would read and study her scriptures daily. She was a member of Cornerstone Free Methodist Church in Coventry.

Preceded in death by husbands, Willard Brake (1979) and Richard Staats (2008), she is survived by sons, Gary (Linda) of Ft. Pierce, Fla., Jim (Bonnie) of Akron, and Bill (Beth) Brake of Uniontown; along with many grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312, where funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Brenda Mason Young officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Park. In memory of Sylvia, donations may be sent to Cornerstone Free Methodist Church, 578 Killian Road, Akron, OH 44319. The family wishes to thank Dr. Christopher Stetler, nurse, Heidi and the staff at Crossroads Hospice for their love, kindness and support.