Catherine Deibel Noah, 66, of Beavercreek, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, surrounded by love.
Born on August 3, 1959, in Dover, Ohio, Catherine was the cherished daughter of Curtis and Marilyn (Scarr) Deibel. She grew up in Smithville, Ohio, alongside her sisters Lavonne Miller and Suzanne Henkels, graduating from Smithville High School in 1977.
Catherine enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Wayne Savings Community Bank in Wooster, Ohio, where she began as a teller while still in high school and rose to vice president in the early 2000s. Known as “the face and voice of WSCB,” Catherine appeared in television and billboard advertising and was instantly recognizable to customers through the bank’s corporate voicemail. She was also the Quota Club International ‘Quotarian’ of the Year in 2008, board member of Every Woman’s House in Wooster and director of the annual Red Cross Festival of Trees for more than ten years.
In 1981, she married Jeff Baker, with whom she raised two children, Anthony (Tony) and Sarah. She was a devoted and proud mother and grandmother, delighting in her grandchildren Jack and Isla of Tony and his wife, Leah; and Mason and Wesley of Sarah and her husband Chris Sector.
On March 17, 2012, Catherine married Colonel Donald L. Noah in his quarters on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Their love story was one of fate fulfilled. First meeting at the end of sixth grade in 1971, Catherine and Don were close friends through high school and even briefly engaged while students at The Ohio State University. Life took them down separate paths for three decades, during which each married and raised families; Catherine in Wooster and Don in many places as a veterinary epidemiologist in the Air Force for 35 years. In 2011, with the quiet connection of Don’s mother, Cheryl Noah, they reconnected and a year later married. Don often reflected that Catherine had “the voice of an angel” and was both strong-willed and the kindest person he’d ever known. On the eventual re-connection, Catherine herself believed deeply that “we were meant to be together.”
Together, Catherine and Don shared a life of adventure, traveling extensively in their trusty Airstream across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, California, and Nevada. Camping—whether in a pop-up trailer when her children were young or the Airstream later in life—was one of her greatest joys. She also loved singing, sewing, socializing, and walking her devoted dog, Sadie. Her music graced church choirs, weddings, funerals, and even large sporting events, always leaving a lasting impression on those who heard her.
Catherine will be remembered for her radiant presence, her devotion to family, her generous spirit, and her unmistakable voice that carried both strength and tenderness. In addition to Jeff Baker and their children, she leaves behind her husband, Don, the family and close friends they accumulated together; and her sisters Lavonne Miller and Suzanne Henkels.
A service celebrating Catherine’s life will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at McIntire Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill Street, Wooster with Pastor David Rittgers officiating.
Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to support Lewy body dementia research at the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/giving) with the designation for Lewy body dementia research.
Catherine will be forever missed.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Catherine worked with my dad, Dan Franks, at Wayne Savings. She was one of the greatest assets to WSCB! Sweet, kind and beautiful…she will be missed by many!
We loved Catherine. The first time I heard of this disease was when my mother was diagnosed. Very rare at that time. Our love and support to Don, Sarah, Tony , all family. Chuck and Loraine.
To Catherine’s family What a tremendous loss to you, your families especially Catherine’s Beautiful Children!
She was a Beautiful woman, longtime friend, and will be remembered!
Love to you all
I was shocked to read of Catherine’s passing. She was a brilliant, tender-hearted person. I remember her as an excellent student, but also as the children’s choir director at our church, for which I was accompanist. She was so easy-going with the kids and a delight to work with. My heart goes out to Don and to her entire family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Catherines passing. I worked with her at Wayne Savings and her smile would light up a room. She dearly loved her children and know she was loved as well. A bright light gone too soon.
We are so sorry about Catherine. We appreciated her beautiful music and her talents as our Children’s Choir director at Smithville UMC in the 70’s. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.