Roxana Rae Lyle

The Honorable Roxana Lyle of Kent, Ohio passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 in the comfort of her home with her family by her side. She was 75. Roxana will be remembered for her compassion, generosity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Roxana was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on August 9, 1951 as the oldest of four children to the late Rev. William and Phyllis Lyle. In her early years, her family relocated to Ohio. She had fond memories of living on a farm in Gambier, Ohio playing with her siblings in the stream behind their house. The family moved throughout Ohio every few years, eventually settling in Chagrin Falls, Ohio where Roxana graduated from high school in 1969.

She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from Kent State University in 1974. Her time at Kent State was marked by the tumultuous events both during and after the May 4, 1970 shootings. Roxana and her friends in high school had set up a booth at the Blossom Time festival in conservative Chagrin Falls to collect signatures for the Ohio Peace Petition campaign. Roxana believed strongly that everyone should have their vote counted, and she dedicated much of her time volunteering during elections.

Always an advocate, Roxana went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron in 1981. Following law school she opened her private practice in Kent. Countless family members and those in the community recall Roxana helping them – drafting wills, working through thorny issues, and always providing compassionate and wise counsel. A trailblazer, she was once the only full-time woman attorney in private practice in Portage County.

Roxana dedicated her career to serving Portage County as a legal aid attorney, prosecutor, Support Enforcement Agency chief, and a Juvenile/Probate Court magistrate. She was known for her intellect, compassion, open-mindedness, and commitment to accountability. Roxana was passionate about using the law to rehabilitate youth, and to protect children and allow them to thrive.

Roxana and her husband Rodney built a beautiful life. They were together for over 30 years, and Rodney lovingly cared for Roxana through her final days. They met in 1990 and welcomed their daughter Rachel in 1993. Rachel was their great joy. Roxana and Rodney opened their home and gave love and support to many, including welcoming numerous foster children with a loving embrace. Their hearts and home were always open, and they also welcomed family, foreign exchange students, and those in need.

Roxana was an active member in her community. Among other organizations, she was a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Portage County Bar Association, P.E.O. International, and a recovery support group. Roxana assisted members of the Kent community with their recovery for decades. Those she sponsored will remember her kindness, generosity, and willingness to meet people where they are and help them navigate the challenges they faced.

Outside of her professional and community commitments, Roxana enjoyed reading, gardening, and traveling. She and her daughter loved doing crossword puzzles together. Roxana traveled extensively with family, and fondly remembered visiting places, and family and friends near and far including her daughter in Chicago and Seattle, as well as trips to Alaska, Norway, Costa Rica, Paris, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

She leaves her loving husband Rodney Welch; her daughter Rachel Welch; siblings Randall Lyle, Nina Lalich (the late Michael) and Aimee Zeller (Jim); and numerous foster children, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends and loved ones.

Roxana was preceded in death by her parents, William and Phyllis Lyle.

Roxana will always be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, sister, aunt, and beloved friend. She lived her life in service to others in ways big and small. In all aspects of her life, there have been so many who have been touched by her warm smile and big and generous heart. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Calling hours will be Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, Ohio 44240. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 118 South Mantua Street Kent, Ohio 44240 with the Rev. Tom Furrer officiating. Following the service, family and friends are welcome to honor Roxana at a reception at the church. Roxana will be laid to rest at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, Ohio during a private burial to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Roxana’s name to P.E.O. International at www.peointernational.org or by mail to The P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312.

Services in the care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.