Emily Suzanne Plank, 24, who was born April 18, 1991 to Peter and Deborah (Kauf) Plank of Cinnamon Lake where Emily grew up, died Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 as a result of an auto accident in Arizona. A graduate of Black River High School, Emily received both the National School Choral Award and the John Philip Sousa Band Award for musical excellence. Frequently on the Honor Roll, Emily was a member of the Academic Challenge Team. She played on the Lady Pirates basketball and golf teams, and received a Patriot Athletic Conference Scholar Athlete Award. Interested in performing at an early age, Emily participated in numerous community theater and school productions, where she was often a soloist. She was a "Kazoo Kid" cast member on the local TV show, "Kazoo", filmed at the Cleveland Zoo. Emily enjoyed participating in talent shows, and became the first "Medina Idol", winning professional recording time. She attended Ashland University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at Ashland, she participated in every aspect of theater production and performance. She interned for a summer at the "American Folklore Theatre" in Peninsula State Park, Door County, WI. She was a member of the Ashland University Choir, which traveled to Italy and performed at the Vatican during the selection of the new Pope. She had one of the lead roles in "Rumspringa", a locally shot student film about the Amish. After college, Emily gave voice lessons, formed a jewelry business and continued to act and sing, amassing a long resume of performances. She appeared in a Nike commercial for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and received rave reviews for recent performances at the "Near West Theatre". For the past year, she sang professionally in the Cleveland area, most notably at the club "Twist", and the restaurant "Roxu". Emily was a dynamic singer with the ability to mesmerize audiences with her range and powerful vocal ability. She had a sparkling personality and the ability to charm everyone she met. Her loving spirit and generosity knew no limit. Funeral services will be Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at Creston United Methodist Church, 166 S. Main St., Creston Calling hours will be Saturday from 3-8 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home, 173 S. Main St., Creston. Memorial contributions to the Emily Plank Memorial Fund, PO Box 25, Creston, OH 44217 Emily is survived by her parents, Peter and Deborah; sister, Sara, and brother, Mitchell, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Jack and Gene Plank, and maternal grandparents, Russell and Donna Kauf.