Sally Ravas
Sally Ann (Schlatter) Ravas, an active volunteer in the Toledo community, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio, Sally was the cherished daughter of Ezra (Ed) and Alpha (Bornhoft) Schlatter. From her earliest days, she was an example of dedication, generosity, and unyielding commitment to her community.
Sally was a proud graduate of DeVilbiss High School and pursued higher education at the University of Toledo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She continued her studies, receiving a Master of Education degree from Bowling Green State University – a testament to her lifelong passion for learning. In every classroom she entered, Sally was more than an educator; she was a mentor, a guiding light, and a steadfast supporter of young minds.
In 1961, Sally married her sweetheart, Paul George Ravas. Together, they built a life defined by love, faith, and unwavering devotion to family. They raised two wonderful children, James (Elizabeth) Ravas and Karen (David) Rhegness, and found immense joy in their grandchildren – Stephanie, Gabriella, and Philip Ravas, and Libbey and Catherine Rhegness.
Sally's heart found its purpose not just in the classroom but in the community she loved. She began her career at Robinson School in Toledo Public Schools, later teaching 6th grade at St. Francis Educational Center and 4th grade in Sylvania City Schools. For decades, she was a constant presence, shaping the lives of her students with warmth, patience, and her signature plate of chocolate chip cookies.
Her commitment to service extended far beyond education. Since 1965, Sally has been serving as a volunteer at Toledo Hospital, where her dedication earned her the ProMedica Volunteer of the Year award in 2018. She brought her leadership to organizations such as the Toledo Women's Club, Alpha Chi Omega Alumni Association, Women in Philanthropy, and the United Way, embodying the very essence of community-driven service.
As a board member of the Toledo Hospital Foundation, Sally's influence helped advance healthcare initiatives, notably for children – a cause close to her heart. She also championed educational programs, contributing to the University of Toledo, ProMedica, and the YMCA.
Sally was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; her parents, Ezra and Alpha; her brother, Donald Schlatter; her sisters, Lois Ann Schlatter and Susan Ritter; her brother-in-law, Jerry Ritter; her sister-in-law, Nancy Ravas; and her granddaughter, Anna Rhegness.
Sally's legacy is one of love, service, and faith – a life well-lived, a heart well-shared, and a spirit that will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her. In the end, Sally Ravas leaves behind not just the community she touched but a world she helped make a little brighter, and a whole lot better.
Visitation will be on Friday, May 23, at Walker Funeral Home, at 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Saturday, May 24, at Hope Lutheran Church, at 2201 Secor Rd., at 10:00 a.m., with internment at Toledo Memorial Park following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, ProMedica Foundation, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, and Hope Lutheran Church.
walkerfuneralhomes.com
Published by The Blade on May 18, 2025.