Susan Jane Thurston

Susan Jane Thurston, born May 18, 1951, at Rochester, Indiana, entered the loving presence of her Lord and Savior on January 5, 2026, in Tempe, Arizona, at the age of 74. Sue was a wonderful example of how to walk with Christ every day, loving others, attending to their needs, and anticipating any way she could help them. Never more true were Jesus’ words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” 

Sue married Phil Thurston, the love of her life. They were partners in every step of life together, having been married 55 years. They loved their two sons and their families, Andrew Thurston (Kelly Lintecum) and David Thurston (Molly), and their grandchildren, Alphie, Makayla, and Beckett. She is survived by her sisters Karen (Jim Nichols), Nancy (Bob Martin), and Terry (Jason Hanenburg), and Sue’s sisters-in-law, Connie (Jim Volling) and Glenna Gentile, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sue’s precious mother, Willodean Hoesel, is still with us. Sue was preceded in death by her father, John Hoesel; her mother-in-law, Faye King; her father-in-law, Wes King; and her sister-in-law, Sandy McNeel. Family was always Sue’s priority, with annual vacations creating wonderful memories with Phil, Andy, and David. Traveling was one of her passions. All Phil had to say was “let’s cruise” and Sue was ready! And when her three sisters suggested a trip somewhere around the US, as they regularly did, Sue was always the planner for the events. Their trips included Paris, London, and New Zealand.

Sue loved her friends and church community, too, finding fulfillment in serving others and encouraging them in their walk with God. Sue’s first extended Christian service experience was immediately following her graduation from high school. She was selected to be part of a traveling gospel singing “Caravan” team sponsored by the Covenant Church. They traveled around the US for a year, serving Covenant churches as needed.

After marrying Phil in the summer of 1970, they served as youth directors at West Phoenix Covenant Church. Sue graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Home Economics. Sue worked for many years in administrative roles at Grace Community Church. After which, she worked for several years at America West Airlines in their “vacations” department.

Through Grace Community Church, Sue and Phil mentored over 90 pre-marital couples, even taking four trips to Poland to mentor and to speak at family camps. Global outreach was one of Sue’s passions. She was also a sought-after speaker for Christian women’s groups in the southwest US, year after year.

As everyone who ever met her says, her wisdom was steady, her laughter warm and infectious, and her love unwavering. Her joy was complete because of who she was in Christ. Over and over, she would say “Thank you, Jesus!” She trusted Him fully, even in this last season of challenge. We grieve over the loss of Sue, and yet we do so with hope. Sue believed in the promise of eternal life and lived out that promise every day. We rejoice that she now rests in perfect peace, restored and embraced by the Savior she followed so faithfully.

Gifts in Sue’s memory can be made to Grace Community Church – Outreach Ministries, 1200 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282. https:www.graceaz.com   

The viewing will be held at Tempe Mortuary, 405 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 6-8 pm. A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at Grace Community Church, 1200 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10 am, followed by a reception.

A private burial will be held at Green Acres Cemetery, Scottsdale.