Geraldine Audrey Fritz

Geraldine A. (Hoverland) Fritz, 85 of Massillon, stepped into the waiting arms of her loving Lord on September 28, 2017 following a brief illness. She was born on July 5, 1932, the daughter of the late Raymond and Edith (Gardner) Hoverland. She was a lifelong resident of Massillon until moving to East Canton in 1993. She was a resident at the Inn of University Village since 2015 where she was well - loved and cared for. She was a 1950 graduate of Washington High School and loved following Tiger football. She worked at Massillon State Hospital immediately following high school for 23 years. She graduated in 1954 as a nurses’ aide and was supervisor for many years. From there she held numerous jobs such as cafeteria worker, housekeeper to many, babysitter, delivered newspapers, cleaned the offices of Republic Steel, sold Avon, ironed clothes, mowed several neighbors yards, including her own until she was 81. She was a faithful member of the Massillon Baptist Temple since its storeroom days and a supporter of Massillon Christian School. She was an avid bowler on the State Hospital league, loved talking politics, canning and freezing, and made sure holidays were special for her grandchildren, including amazing Christmas village displays. She was a dear friend to many and always helping others, putting them first. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Fritz in 1974, and a sister, Pauline Johnson. She is survived by her daughter Shannon (Dana) Snyder of East Canton; three grandchildren, Audrey, Clayton and RaeAnna; sister, Norine (Tom) Moon; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Celebration of Geraldine’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Massillon Baptist Temple. Rev. Cecil Thayer, Officiating. Her final resting place will be in the Massillon Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 - 11 a.m. at the church. Contributions may be made to either the Massillon Baptist Temple or Crossroads Hospice. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to the family at www.arnoldlynch.com. Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home & Crematory (330) 833-4839