Robin L. Rantamaki 1964-2026

She was the daughter of Ann M. Brown Stark and stepdaughter of Thayer “T” Brown, who preceded Robin in death.

She was the oldest of her siblings, her brother, Rick (Jessica) Rantamaki of Georgia, and her sister, Christine “Chrissy” Rantamaki of Hubbard. She leaves behind a nephew, Chase Rantamaki of Georgia.

She also leaves behind two best friends who were like family and loved Robin endlessly, Julie Kopp of Boardman and Marti of Brant, Michigan.

She was the mother of two beautiful mirror-image, identical twin daughters, Kayla D. (Doug) Keener and Karlene D. Rantamaki. Robin did not realize she was having twins, let alone twin girls, until her daughters’ births in July, which resulted in an emergency C-section at seven months of gestation. She found out after waking up from anesthesia, “I only thought I was having a boy and I was told I had two girls and they were two months premature twins!” Robin would tell you she ended up hyperventilating after that discovery of having twins; she often recalled this memory during her lifetime and told it with such enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, her youngest (by 60 seconds) twin daughter, Karlene D. Rantamaki, died in a motor vehicle accident on Dec. 29, 2020, preceding her mother in death at the age of 34.

Robin lived with her loyal, dedicated partner of 20-plus years, Zackary Riley, in Missouri, and eventually, they moved to Youngstown because Robin thought she would have a grandchild one day. Zackary advocated fiercely for Robin’s health to be restored so that they could continue on the journey of being the best “Mamaw and Grandpa” to her grandson, Jaxson D. Keener. Robin was instrumental in Jaxson’s upbringing, and he will carry her love and teachings with him always, for the rest of his days.

Zack dedicated his life to caring for Robin. He gave his heart and soul to making sure she lived the best life possible — never giving up hope that she would get better to be here today. He advocated for Robin’s life in every way because of her “feisty” soul and desire to be here for Jaxson.

Jaxson was her reason to give everything medically, one more chance to live. Jaxson was her only grandchild and she loves him (yes, loves him since love never dies and is ever present in the past, present and future) with every part of her being that her soul could give. They loved to play Roblox together at the end of her time here in her earthly body, and they both could not wait for “update day!”

Robin is in medical books, helping forge medical advances that allow people to now receive metal implants / hardware. She was the seventh person in the nation to receive implanted hardware in her back after sustaining a back injury from being tripped on roller skates at the age of 13. This sustained injury shaped and molded her resilient spirit and soul for the rest of her days in this life. She had 14 back surgeries in total, and in two of those surgeries, she almost died; two of those surgeries were over 22 hours in length to install and reinstall her back hardware. She learned how to walk from scratch quite a few times in her life due to a back injury. She suffered infections, which provided knowledge on how to do metal implants for future patients, which is an amazing sacrifice in the name of medical advancements. Her journey has helped countless orthopedic patients, all with no fanfare or credit.

The hardware that was installed in her back is now known as the Harrington Rod; it is commonly used in back correction surgeries today.

Robin was an avid reader and a lover of knowledge and books. “Knowledge is power,” she would say.

She had loads of books and spent countless hours researching new ideas and concepts all the time. She loved the advent of the desktop / laptop computer, Barnes & Noble, and eventually Amazon.com. She always wanted to visit the Library of Congress and wanted her own library room at home.

She graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in comparative religious studies from Youngstown State University and was the first one in the family to accomplish a college degree while raising her twin daughters, who were both born with cerebral palsy. She also earned three Microsoft certifications in computer repair and security. What an amazing feat to accomplish and behold, especially while being physically disabled herself.

Robin was a free-spirited lover of motorcycle rides; with the wind in her hair, she reveled in the sounds of music, mostly classic rock. She always had music playing on a radio that could be heard inside and outside the house, but she was also an alto singer in the Chaney High School choir, graduating in 1962. Robin also looked like a gorgeous ’80s rocker with wild, naturally curly hair, and everyone thought she would be a rock star one day because of her amazing voice and style.

Robin was a fighter, a person who never gave up, obstinate to a fault, and a believer in God and Heaven.

She will be dearly missed by all she leaves behind, especially her 8-year-old grandson.

The family would like to give a special thank you to her devoted and dedicated best friend and aunt and to her daughter, Julie Kopp of Boardman. Julie was there at every moment and showed up to support Robin endlessly throughout these days of persistent medical illnesses. She showed unwavering dedication, which was admirable. Her family is forever grateful to Julie for her unconditional support, love and the endearments she offered to Robin during this time.

To my mom: “I hear you say you are your mother’s daughter.” You were the best mother you could be to your beloved daughters. You were and are the greatest Mamaw to Jaxson, your “Angel Baby” who became your “Baby Man.” You showed amazing dedication and loyalty to your partner over the years and gave him more than you can ever know, especially a grandson. You took life head on and now is your time to rest. Rest in Heaven.

Until we meet again. Your soul is now free and no longer trapped — that is the best gift of all; that you are no longer in pain or have a body that holds you back.

Fly, Robin, fly. Your spirit is free now.

A celebration of life will take place in May 2026, with a date to be determined by the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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