Susan “Susie” Jean McCleese, 79, of Portsmouth, passed away surrounded by her loved ones at her home on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Susie was born in Portsmouth on January 17, 1947, to the late Barbara Ann Strehle Moon and Charles Newman.
Susie retired from Clay Local Schools after more than 31 years of service, working primarily as a second-grade teacher. She enjoyed playing cards, painting and crafting with her friends. Mostly, she loved to dilly-dally.
A 1965 Clay High School graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University. Before illness prevented her from doing so, she attended Christ’s Community Church.
Surviving is her husband of 44 years, Richard “Dick” Lee McCleese, whom she married on May 28, 1982, at Eden Park Baptist Church.
Also surviving are her children, Kelly Jean (Bucky) Spriggs of Stout, and Dallas E. (Thanatta) Stewart of Westerville; two siblings, Larry (Jerri) Newman of Pickerington, and Sandy (Jeff) Glynn of Minford; three grandchildren, Jordan (Adrian Gomez) Stewart, Tucker Spriggs, and Kamryn Spriggs; one great-grandson, Rhett Throckmorton; several nieces, nephews and their families, her beloved in-laws; and many close friends.
In addition to her parents, Susie was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Newman.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Rick Clark, Minister, officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 2 to 5 PM, and one hour prior to services on Monday.
Memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2202-25th St., Portsmouth, OH, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.