Molly L. Gauntner

Molly L. Gauntner, age 52, of Lewis Center, Ohio, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on January 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Preceded in death by her father, Timothy “Tim” Gauntner. Survived by her husband, Geoff Stobart; children, Annie Breninghouse, Billy (Audrey Raymont) Breninghouse, Bailey (Mack) Hilliard, Seth (Calaudia Kuchan) Stobart, and Grayson Stobart; grandson, Henry Breninghouse; mother, Maureen “Rini” Gauntner; sister, Maureen (Carl) Capellas; brother, Tim (Angelica) Gauntner; mother-in-law, Karen Stobart; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Molly was an incredible mother and a dear friend to many. Few could match her energy, enthusiasm, and dedication. She greatly affected the lives of everyone she met. Whatever challenges she faced, she always found time to support and uplift others. Her presence was uplifting in and of itself, thanks to her exuberant passion for life, contagious positivity, and incredibly considerate nature. Molly had a singular ability to find the good in everything and to push others to do the same, especially in the most difficult circumstances. There are not enough words to express how much she loved her children and family.

Molly graduated from Magnificat High School, earned an undergrad degree from John Carroll University and her master’s degree in Community Agency Counseling LPC from Cleveland State University. It is clear she had a significant impact in the field of corrections. She worked in probation at Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court from 1995 to 2015 and served 7 years as Deputy Chief Probation Officer before serving as the Chief Probation Officer in Franklin County. She was president of the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association and Vice President of Ohio Justice Alliance for Community Corrections (OJACC). As a professional, Molly was a visionary leader committed to transforming the correctional field and improving the lives of those she served. Molly’s commitment and advocacy on behalf of her clients was singular. She worked tirelessly to develop effective treatments for clients with substance use disorders and mental health needs. Her intelligence, wit, heart, and determination made a lasting impression not only on her family, friends and colleagues, but on her work and her clients.

Personally, Molly lit up every room she ever went in to. She was the center of every party and could make you laugh until you cried. She loved her children and family with everything. She battled cancer for a long time just to have a few extra days with them. Every minute was worth it to her for the time she got with her children, husband, and family. She will be deeply missed by many.

Family will receive friends on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 3 – 6 p.m. at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207. Memorial Mass in Lakewood, Ohio will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. (family will receive friends, beginning at 1:30 p.m. until time of Memorial Mass) at St. Luke Catholic Church, 1212 Bunts Road, Lakewood, Ohio 44107. To sign Molly’s online guestbook and leave a condolence for her family please visit www.graumlichfuneral.com