Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
Suzanne "Suzy" Ruth (Bell) Dietrich, 88, Huron, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Meadows at Osborn Park after suffering a stroke earlier in the year.
She was born in Toledo, Ohio to the late Mr. and Mrs. M.G. Bell.
Her father worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, and she traveled with him quite often before moving to Sandusky as a teenager. It was here that she meant Charles "Chuck" Dietrich.
After graduating from high school, she and Chuck were married. She accompanied him to ports during his time in the Navy. With the money that she saved being a military wife, they bought their first sports car. They opened Dietrich Motors, allowing them to pursue a career in amateur sports racing. Suzy competed from 1952-1967, and she raced in most venues east of the Mississippi river, including Daytona, Sebring, Nassau, and Puerto Rico. She was a member of MacMillan Oil's "Ring Free Girls" all girl race team, which included racing greats Janet Guthrie and Donna Mae Mims.
Suzy was the librarian for Meadowlawn School for many years. She wrote a racing column for the Sandusky Register and a monthly publication for the Northern Ohio Region of the Sports Car Club of America, for which she served in the capacity of secretary.
Suzy had a variety of other interests including modeling for Carol Crain, real estate, and Harlequin Players. She was a volunteer at the Museum of Carrousel Arts, and is featured in the books "Fast Women: The Legendary Ladies of Racing" and "They Started in MG's." Film and commentary can be found on the internet.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 19, 2015 at McMillan Cemetery, Huron.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements.
Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be shared by visiting toftfh.com.
