Susan Kay Stobbelaar, 77, of Saint Joseph, Michigan, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Caretel Inns St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph on Saturday, August 5 from 1 PM to 3 PM with a time of sharing beginning at 3 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI or The Michael J. Fox Research Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD, 21741. Those wishing to sign Sue’s Guest Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Sue was born July 31, 1945, in Spring Lake, MI, to Albert and Florence (Oudman) Miller. She graduated 3rd in her class from Grand Haven High School and continued her education at Western Michigan University where she graduated summa cum laude and later earned her Master’s. On June 10, 1967, Sue married the love of her life, Richard Stobbelaar, in Grand Haven.

Sue is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Richard Stobbelaar. High school sweethearts, Rick and Sue were hand-in-hand from dating, to marriage, to the very moment she passed on to the next adventure. She also lives on in the hearts of daughters Shelley (Jerry) Parks of St. Joseph and Tracey (Steve) Quigley of Wayland; grandchildren, Rhianna & Rogan Parks; brother and sister-in-law John & Karen Rincker; and nieces & nephews, Jamie (Elana) Rincker, Dylan (Shannon) Rincker and Matt (Allison) Romej.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert & Florence Miller; and sisters, Sheryl Feustal and Sandy Romej.

Sue loved being outdoors and active whenever possible, whether it was kayaking, ice skating, skiing, taking classes at Sarett, camping, fly fishing, or just going on nature walks.

Teaching was Sue’s passion in life; she began her teaching career in Spring Lake, MI, and would relocate to Southwest Michigan teaching at Eau Claire, Lake Michigan Catholic, E.P. Clarke, and Brown Elementary before retiring. She loved seeing and talking with her former students, and her love of teaching and learning inspired many to go into education themselves.

After retiring, Sue continued to be involved with Calling All Colors and the Michigan Reading Association, as well as helping edit books for young authors.

Sue Stobbelaar embraced everyone around her and made each person feel valued and loved. She taught every child with excitement and shared her passion for learning. Sue had a gleefully wicked sense of humor and loved play and laughter. She leaves these final lessons for all: Apologize when you make a mistake; laugh at yourself and others and then forgive and move forward. Every moment is teachable; find your light and share it.  Be the mentor others need, a person and a kindness they can count on. Walk, explore, adventure; just move your body and embrace nature. Take time for sadness then go swim to wash it away. Hug everyone. Play games and have fun, because life is ours to enjoy.

Posted On: Monday, July 31, 2023 5:01 PM