Stephanie Anne Strange, 40, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away after a courageous 20‑year battle with addiction-a devastating disease that affects not only the individual, but every person who loves them.
Born Feb. 6, 1986, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, she was the daughter of Rita Knab and Charles Strange. She was a mother, daughter, niece and friend, and above all a woman deeply loved by her family. The greatest light of her life was the birth of her daughter, Sasha Rae. Her love for Sasha never wavered, even during her darkest days. She entrusted the care and upbringing of her daughter to her mother, Rita Knab, and Jim Strabler-an act of love that reflected her desire to always do right by her child. Growing up, she was an avid Toledo Storm hockey fan, spending many memorable nights at the Toledo Sports Arena, carefree and full of life. She was known for her spirited personality and ability to connect with others. Throughout her struggles, she was supported by friends who never gave up on her, including Amanda Urban, Mike Downey and Jody Miller. Her family remained a constant source of guidance and love. Her father, Charles Strange; uncle, Ric Anderson; and aunt, Tina Knab stood by her through her most difficult moments, offering unwavering support. As a family, we have learned-through heartbreak-that love alone is sometimes not enough to free someone from the grip of addiction. She was able to remain sober during her pregnancy and for several years afterward. In one hopeful chapter, she left the Toledo area and spent four years traveling across the United States, embracing life with her free spirit during another hard‑won period of sobriety. Tragically, upon returning home, addiction tightened its hold once more. Despite every effort, plea and expression of love, the chains could not be broken. Yet through it all, her love for her daughter remained constant and unshakable.
Survivors include her beloved daughter, Sasha Rae Strange; mother, Rita Knab; father, Charles Strange; Jim Strabler; aunts, Tina Knab and Windy (Joe) Kirtlink; uncles, Ric (Crystal) Anderson and Robert (Judy) Anderson; and many cousins and extended family members in Mt. Sterling who will carry her memory forward.
She was preceded in death by her great‑grandmothers, Edith Parker and Barbara Anderson; great‑grandfather, Robert Anderson; uncle, Norvell Strange; and aunt, Judy Robb.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 8, at the Robert Shank Sr. Chapel at Sunrise Cremations and Funerals, 701 N. Main St., Walbridge, Ohio. Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 12, at Branham Family Cemetery in Mt. Sterling.
In lieu of silence and stigma the family hopes Stephanie’s story brings awareness to addiction as a chronic, life‑threatening disease, and to the immense toll it takes on families who love fiercely, hope endlessly, and grieve deeply.
She was loved. She mattered. And she will never be forgotten.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the ER and ICU staff at ProMedica Toledo Hospital for their valiant efforts and compassionate care.
