Paula Sue Harsch

Paula Sue Harsch, 74 of Zanesville, passed away, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Altercare of Zanesville. She was born October 11, 1951, to Paul Glenford and Betty Marie Ford Harsch in Zanesville, she was raised at 808 Fountain Square, and graduated from Zanesville High School in 1969.

Paula went on to study at The Ohio State University, and matriculated to Ohio University receiving her bachelor's degree in education, summa cum laude, in 1973, and master's degree in library science in 1984. Her summer jobs included work in the Reading Program at Pioneer School with Jean Glenn; working as a hanker at Essex Wire; and working at Y-City Office Supply, her dad's store.

She was honored to have been employed with Tri-Valley Schools for over thirty years starting at Nashport School, and finishing at the Middle School in Dresden. Paula was always grateful for the friendships she shared with her colleagues, (the OFFN’S Group), and with the wholesome families of the community. She also wrote a book about Nashport School. She was a recipient of the Women of Achievement Award in 2023.

Music was an important part of her life having taken violin lessons from Helen Morgan, piano from Jerry Hoffner and Betty Lou Wilson, and organ from Bernice Gillespie. She frequently substituted as organist at local churches, and shared old tunes with residents at care centers. For over 25 years she served as the rehearsal accompanist for “The Messiah” here in Zanesville. She volunteered for many years at Good Samaritian Hospital, and was a member of several organizations including The Genealogy Society, Friends of the Library, Ohioana Library Association, Red Cross, Zanesville Civic Chorus, Muskingum County Retired Teachers, Friends of the Pioneer and Historical Society, and Phi Kappa Phi.

Paula's family was active in St. John's Lutheran Church in Philo and she later transferred her membership to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zanesville.

Paula is survived by her sister Beth (George) Sandlin of Clayton, and special friend, Dorothy Montgomery, and many other special and treasured friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her uncle and aunt John and Florence Harsch Hartman, her grandparents Arthur and Clara Harsch and Robert and Beulah Ford, and treasured friends, John Montgomery and Jean Glenn.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at Hillis Combs Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, and one hour prior to services from 10:00 AM till 11:00 AM on Wednesday. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 with Rev. Pastor Larry Kudart officiating. Burial will follow in Zanesville Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, Paula requests contributions be made to the Muskingum County Library System, 220 North Fifth Street, or Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 128 South Seventh Street, Zanesville.