Mitzie N. Cushing

SALEM — Mitzie N. Cushing, 93, passed away on May 30, 2026, at Blossom Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Salem.

Born on Sept. 1, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Hihn) Lutsch. Raised in Salem, Mitzie graduated from Salem High School in the Class of 1950 and carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and determination throughout her life.

After graduation, Mitzie began her career in the office of Mullins Manufacturing in Salem, where she worked for several years before marrying Robert W. Cushing III on June 19, 1954. Following her marriage, she devoted herself to being a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. She took great pride in her home and family, and she embraced each role with grace, strength, and commitment. As her children grew and entered school, Mitzie returned to the workforce.

In 1965, Mitzie began working for the Leetonia Board of Public Affairs in the billing office for the water and sewage department. In 1970, she accepted a position as a police officer with the Leetonia Police Department, a role that reflected both her strong character and her willingness to serve others. She was later promoted to Juvenile Village Officer in 1981, a position she held until her retirement in 1995.

Mitzie was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leetonia and a 77-year member of the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons Branch 18. Creative and artistic, Mitzie found joy in making all types of crafts. She was always eager to try the latest trending projects and enjoyed experimenting with woodworking, painting, ceramics, stained glass, sewing, crocheting, and many others through the years. Mitzie was also known for her strong will and her straightforward manner. People always knew where they stood with her, and that was part of what made her so memorable. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved telling a good joke just as much as she enjoyed hearing one. Her laughter and quick wit brightened the lives of many, and her fun and unmistakable personality will be remembered with affection by all who knew her.

Mitzie leaves to carry on her legacy, her children, Robert Michael Cushing of Salem and Kathy Ann and her husband George H. Finley Jr. of Salem; grandchildren, Shannon (Trent) Zeigler of Salem, George H. Finley III of Roswell, N.M., and Jennifer (Christopher) Sommers of Salem; great-grandchildren, Rylie, George IV, Leanna, Bryce, Dakotah, and Keegan; her sister, Kay (Ronald) Stanley of Salem; and nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mitzie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert III, on July 20, 2001, after celebrating 47 years of marriage; her brother, Michael Lutsch and his wife, Chris; and her granddaughter-in-law, Christina Finley.

Family and friends will be received from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 29 Spruce St., Leetonia, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mitzie’s name to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 29 Spruce St., Leetonia, OH 44431, or to the Salem Community Foundation, Attn: SPD K9 Fund, PO Box 553, Salem, Ohio 44460. Please make sure to include SPD K9 Fund in the memo line.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To view Mitzie’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

6/6/26