Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Sue Vant Hof Obituary
was born in Yakima, WA on February 10, 1954. She is the daughter of Alice Vant Hof and the late Corky Vant Hof. She is also survived by one brother, Gary Vant Hof of San Ramon, CA. She is a graduate of Skyline High in Oakland, CA and completed her BA in Physical Education at Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the catcher for the girls' softball team and went to Nationals twice. She began her thirty-four years of teaching in the Chandler Schools at Hartford Elementary. She then opened four other elementary schools retiring from Ryan Elementary in 2010. Sue was an exemplary PE teacher and was awarded the state of Arizona Governor's Physical Educator of the Year in 1996. She taught her students the meaning of sharing and giving by their participation in various fund raising activities such as Jump Rope for Heart, Canine Companions for Independence, Arizona Humane Society, and others. Sue's love and dedication for her students was evident in all she did to support and encourage them. She had her students participate in the Frank Kush Fun Run, Gilbert Days, Hershey Track and Field, and various other competitive events around the Chandler area. They often came back winners. She established Running Clubs at each of her schools, which were quite successful. She said to her students that "Participation is Victory in Itself." Sue's love for her four-legged friends was shown by her fund raising and her involvement in the different organizations. Sue passed away at home on May 19, 2013. She will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Chandler Education Foundation for a scholarship to be named in Sue's honor, or Canine Companions for Independence. A Celebration of her life will be held at Hamilton High School auditorium in Chandler on June 2nd from 5-7 P.M. Light refreshments will be served in the cafeteria following the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sue Vant Hof
Shartena Wauqua
April 3, 2025
Ms. Vant Hof was my elementary PE teacher at Sanborn elementary. She was my biggest cheerleader and motivator. She believed in me before I ever believed in myself and whenever someone mispronounced my name she corrected them. Til this day I never let anyone mispronounce my name. I am 36 years old today and I can still hear her voice so clearly in my memories. I send my deepest condolences to her family and anyone who knew her. She is UNFORGETTABLE.
Wade Shields
June 13, 2013
Ms. Vant Hof was one of my greatest inspirations growing up. Everyone loved her; she united us by promoting teamwork and cooperation. Her self-deprecating sense of humor kept her humble and made us respect her more, and it made me feel better about myself when she lovingly nicknamed me "Bambi" after I tripped while running hurdles. She was an amazing teacher, a loyal friend, and a fervent encourager. Sue may be gone, but her spirit lives on in the thousands of lives that she touched.
Kaci Shields
June 12, 2013
Ms. Vant Hof had the biggest and best heart I could ever imagine. I am not an athlete and have never been, but I would be remiss if I were to say I didn't benefit from Physical Education classes. Ms. Vant Hof was my elementary school PE teacher and Running Club coach and I cannot think of a better or more inspirational human being. I know that I and hundreds of students owe so much to her, and it definitely dampens the day knowing that she is no longer with us. Ms. Vant Hof, I never thought you were "mean and old", but I am still convinced that "Frye Falcons eat worms". Thank you for your incredible life.
June 11, 2013
Our family loved Sue Vant Hof. We knew her through Sanborn Elementary. Both of our children loved having Sue as their PE teacher...even when she was "old and mean." Sue could make kids perform like no one else. We always marveled at how she did it...she certainly made it look easy though in reality, it was not easy!
Sue could motivate. Sue could make kids run. Sue could get kids to do their best at whatever they tried. They wanted to do great when Sue was watching! She had a special gift. Sue will hold a special place in our hearts forever. Sue, we doubt you got to do all you had planned, but what you did was amazing. Thank you for being such an influence to so many.
Our prayers are with the family because losing Sue is a huge loss.
Sue changed lives....for good. This family will remember her fondly.
Love, Tom and Carrie Shields
Kelly Baker
June 4, 2013
I had the privilege to be one of Miss Vant Hof students almost 30 years ago and throughout Elementary. She was such an amazing person and was dedicated to keep kids active and physically fit. I remember doing my first pull-up with her coaching and encouraging words. I will never forget running the 50 yard dash, playing tether-ball, Jump Rope for Heart, playing a game with a colorful parachute and sand bags and my favorite; the Fun Run at Humphrey! She has been such an inspiration to those that knew her. I have always thought of her throughout the years and was happy to see her around 5 years ago and introduce my son to her.
I remember her saying she felt so old meeting the children of the kids she coached years back. I will never forget you Miss Vant Hof and it was such an honor to have known you. God bless you!
Sandy Hammel
June 3, 2013
Over 27 years ago I was all set to start teaching physical education at the high school level and then I met Sue.... She had me convinced and teaching elementary PE the very next year!
The following year I had a choice of taking over for her at Frye Elementary or another school. Since I had taught with her the previous year as a traveling PE teacher, it was a no-brainer and I was both thrilled and honored to be able to continue the great program Sue had going at Frye! To this day, I can say I still use many of the "Sue-isms" that I learned over the years from her. The biggest compliment I ever got from Sue was 2 years ago after Sue retired and had subbed for me for the first time. She called me right after school was out and said "It felt like I was home in my own school" and to call her anytime to sub! It meant the world to me coming from my mentor and great friend for over 27 years! You are the best Sue and are truly missed!!
Ginger Steele Smith
June 2, 2013
I've been hoping to find Miss Vant Hof for years now to thank her for being such a huge inspiration to me. I had a lot of health problems as a kid and she always believed in me and supported me. I'm heartbroken I never got to tell her what she truly meant to me. I miss you and love you! You meant more to me than you'll ever know
Chad Simser-Black
June 2, 2013
You were the first person in my life that convinced me I could achieve anything I wanted despite having a chronic illness. Your legacy continues and will be carried in the hearts of thousands for many years. Rest in Peace.
Cyndy Clark
June 2, 2013
Miss Vant Hof inspired and cared for my daughter, my granddaughter and my grandson. She made sure that my grandson, Colin, had the very best start at Ryan Elementary. I sincerely hope she realized what a profound difference she made in so many lives. Rest in peace.
Sigrid Barcelo
June 2, 2013
I have tried to write in the guest book twice but just couldn't do it. How can I properly express what Sue meant to me in my life. She changed my life. Sue was responsible for getting me the job teaching P.E. at Sanborn. I worked with her for 12+ years at Sanborn. I witness her greatness on a daily basis. It was incredible the way she was able to motivate her students to be the best they could be. She encouraged the students to help their community. She told them that it didn't matter that they were children, that there was always some way to help others and that it didn't need to be money. I will miss her sayings, her whistle to get the student's attention, her laugh, her friendship. Sue you are a legend. Love ya, Sigrid Barcelo
May 31, 2013
Ms. Vant Hof was an amazing teacher who always made p.e fun. No P.E teacher I have ever met or had gained as much respect for her. Gilbert Days was an event in our school and I remember her sitting in the cafeteria with a counter behind her counting the students who signed up and trying to encourage more. It is something I would never have done without her encouragement. She will be truly missed by many.
Autumn Williams
May 31, 2013
Ms. Van Hof you will be missed by many, and your dedication for me as a student helped me thrive for excellence in more ways than not! You always helped pass down how I could do anything being as I am short. I never took advantage and now as I look back to say goodbye at our long journey together it brings tears to my eyes old friend! Rest in peace and may god watch over you!
Linda Teasley
May 31, 2013
I think Sue Vant Hof was the best teacher I have ever known. And I have known so many incredible dedicated and talented people in my past years as a teacher for Chandler Schools. Starting in 1972 when I taught 4th graders at Frye Elementary, I occasionally had the last P.E. class of the day. Sue welcomed those children as if they were the best things that had happened to her all day. She made all kids excited about physical education. I had no notes from parents to excuse their children from Sue's class. Later, as I became a special teacher myself, a librarian at Shumway Elementary, I came to appreciate Sue even more. She was teaching at Sanborn then. Our running clubs would compete, and there she was, charging up the crowd! What enthusiasm. What love she had for her job, for the kids she taught, for the parents who trusted her, and the staff who benefited from her presence. She continued on to other schools, all of whom will miss her great heart. And I will miss a great friend.
Sue and Canine Companion "Royal"
Pat Lawson
May 30, 2013
Sarah Stuart
May 30, 2013
Ms. Vant Hof was one of the single greatest influences in my life. I learned many things from her, which I was able to take with me on my journey through life. I first met her the year Sanborn Elementary School opened it's doors; I was in the Second Grade.
Growing up, I participated in every single activity that Ms. Vant Hof ever hosted or participated in, she was such an inspiration to me. I was unlike most of the students who I attended school with. I was an above average student who was heavily invested in her academic future. All too often I could be found by myself reading, or preparing in some way for my future. It took a lot for Ms. Vant Hof to coax me out of my comfort zone, never having been much of an athlete. She convinced me that anyone could do anything they set their mind to. She motivated and supported me; she challenged me and strengthened my character daily.
It comes as no surprise to me, the response that was received after the news of Ms. Vant Hof's passing circled around. She was an immense part of shaping the lives of so many children. I know some may think, “She was just a P.E. teacher”. To them I can only reply; Susan Vant Hof was a motivator of all children, she wanted nothing more than to help each and every one of us meet and exceed our own expectations of what is possible. She wanted each of us to take with us the courage and the strength to know we can achieve anything; all we have to do is believe in ourselves and never give up.
Although life has taken me far from the child I was when I attended, Ms Vant Hof's encouraging and ever motivating words have resonated with me throughout the years. I look back on all the memories my friend's and I have shared with this amazing woman. I am proud to have known her, even more so, to have learned by her example.
“Together Everyone Achieves More.” Thank You Ms. Vant Hof for allowing me to be a part of your amazing TEAM; it has been an honor and a privilege to have known you.
The Dwight & Shelly Haggarton Family
Shelly Haggarton
May 30, 2013
Five of our seven children had this incredible lady as an elementry school Physical Ed. teacher. She touched countless lives, the kids adored the funny, witty, bubbly, tough way she got them to be physically active. She inspired them to reach higher, run faster, try harder and be their very best. What an amazing lady and incredible teacher she was. They have a list of Ms. Vant Hof-isms, cute little things she would say, like: "Sure do, tennis shoe!" They loved her!
Hunter Matthews
May 29, 2013
I remember always looking forward to Vant Hof's P.E. classes when I attended Sanborn Elementary. She just had an incredible way of making everything fun for us. It was very sad to hear of her passing but it made me smile seeing such a large amount of people paying their respects to such an amazing person. My sympathy goes out to her family, and I would like them know how much my classmates and I appreciate everything she has done for us.
Kathy Hurd
May 29, 2013
All three of my kiddos were lucky to have had Sue as their coach at both Humphrey and Sanborn Elem. She had a gift for motivating students to be the best they could be. Not only was she a great coach in sports, but also in coaching students to take pride in everything they do.
Liane Bowles
May 29, 2013
Sue Vant Hof was the best salesman in the world and she chose to "sell" physical fitness and compassion to thousands of children in Chandler. She was passionate about her career in Physical Education and helped to get mine started 29 years ago. She was an excellent teacher and I learned so many things from her. She always had encouraging words for me and mentored me throughout my career. She was loved by all and will be missed! We have started a scholarship in her name to help an aspiring student to follow in her footsteps. You can make donations in her name through the Chandler Education Foundation in care of the Chandler Unified School District. Sue was one of the best!!!! She had a big heart for kids and dogs. We will all miss you!
Barbara Matthews
May 29, 2013
My son (now 23) had Sue Vant Hof for PE at Sanborn Elementary School. Sue made every child feel important and made sure every child succeeded in the activities she developed. I will never forget how much fun my son and I had at all of the running and Jump Rope for Heart events she put on. Sue Vant Hof was an amazing person and will be missed by everyone that knew her.
Andy Harper
May 29, 2013
I met Sue through Canine Companions and the running event she helped establish at Ryan Elementary. Sue was innovative, dynamic and a real motivator with the children she taught. I'm sure all of the kids she worked with will remember her with warm memories. CCI was lucky to have Sue as a dedicated volunteer and supporter. With deepest sympathy on your loss.
Pat Lawson
May 29, 2013
Sue was a champion in life. I only knew her for 9 years with her association with Canine Companions for Independence. She became part of the family immediately and a good friend to us all. We will miss her enormously. Thank you Sue for your passion, positive attitude and your love of life and our CCI fur friends.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Sue Vant Hof's name
Memorial Events
for Sue Vant Hof
How to support Sue's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sue Vant Hof's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
