Ann G. Harris Noel 1934-2024

Born in Cleveland, she spent her childhood and early education in the city that lies along the shores of Lake Erie. By age 12, she knew that she wanted to be a geologist and worked at the Ferro Corporation in Cleveland as a research engineer and Thompson Drugs in Kent to put herself through college, the first college graduate in her family. At Kent State University, she received her bachelor’s degree in geology. It was in Kent that she met her first husband, Earl, who also pursued his degree and career in geology. From there, they continued their education, obtaining their master’s degrees in geology from Miami University in Oxford. Ann very proudly became one of the first woman certified-professional geologists in the State of Ohio, during a time when it was not a field that many women ventured into. She was a pioneer.

As a geological team, Ann and Earl worked as field geologists for the U.S. Geological Survey in Colorado. The early 1960’s saw them make the move to Wisconsin to teach at Wisconsin State University. It was in Wisconsin that their first daughter, Laurie, was born. When openings for geology professors were available at Youngstown University, they made the move and spent their careers as college professors. The mid-’60s saw the birth of their second daughter, Kelli. It was also during her time at YSU, along with being a college professor in the geology department, that Ann attended many professional conferences, workshops and symposiums. She wrote a book, “Geology of National Parks,” which was sold in many of the national parks across the country, has gone through several editions and is still in print today. Additionally, she issued some scientific publications. Ann was a member of several professional geological organizations and received much-deserved awards, including “Woman of the Year” in 1983, and was honored with a distinguished professorship from YSU in 2000.

In the 1980s, Ann met her second husband, Dale Noel. The 1980s also saw her involvement in the abandoned mine shaft situation in Youngstown with several cave-ins in the area. This led to her educating herself in the mine history of the area, as well as mapping out the locations of many abandoned mines, leading to her being instrumental in the passage of House Bill 383, the Mine Subsidence Insurance Bill for the State of Ohio. Additionally, she attended seminars in Hawaii and was a guest lecturer on scientific cruises in Alaska. She was also an expert witness for several court cases.

Ann retired from YSU as professor emeritus. She touched the life of many students with her teaching, professionalism and willingness to help any student further their education through the years, both those just attending science courses and those majoring in geology. Some of her former students went on to become research scientists and astronauts.

She loved animals and nature, and she and Dale were the proud pet parents of several German shorthaired pointer dogs, which were treated as spoiled family members.

Among those who went before her are her first husband, Earl; second husband, Dale; sister, Joyce; and nephew, David.

She is survived by her daughters, Laurie (Eric) and Kelli (Charles); grandson, Chase, and his fiancee, Serina; granddaughter, Rachel, and her fiance Colin; nieces, Kathy and Linda; and extended family.

Ann will be missed by all who knew her and remembered by many acquaintances and friends. She will live on through her family, students and accomplishments.

A special thank you to all who tended to her needs the last couple of years.

Calling hours with a short service will be held 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, with a tribute from 11:30 a.m. to noon, at Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman, OH, 44512.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any animal society or nature conservation group.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossi

funerals.com.

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