Suzanne Marie Stickle

Suzanne M. Stickle, known to many as Sue, peacefully entered eternal rest on February 27, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by the love of her family. Sue was born in 1937, the first of two daughters to Ward and Louise Doughten. Her father, Ward, was a World War II Navy veteran, and her mother, Louise, was the heart of the family. Sue graduated from Galien High School and went on to attend Western Michigan University, where she earned her undergraduate degree.

From a young age, Sue was deeply involved with the United Methodist Church. Through church youth groups and correspondence, she met John Stickle, whom she married in 1960. Together, they established a family dairy farm in Marcellus, where they raised four children: Linda, Bill, Mike, and Mary.

Sue later earned her teaching certificate through Western Michigan University and dedicated herself to education, teaching in the communities of Vandalia, Cassopolis, Marcellus, and Three Rivers. Over the years, many peers and former students shared stories that reflected her lasting impact as an educator and mentor. Service was a defining part of Sue’s life. She served the United Methodist Women’s organization for most of her life, beginning in college and holding numerous leadership roles. She was also active in the Marcellus Area Assistance Program, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Michigan Teachers Union.

After transitioning from farming, John and Sue enjoyed a long and active retirement. They shared a love of travel and adventure, including John’s horseback riding and camping along trails stretching several hundred miles, with Sue faithfully setting up and tearing down camps along the way. Many of their closest friendships were formed during these journeys. Together, they traveled to every U.S. state and spent many winters in the Gulf Shores, Alabama area near their daughter Linda.

Sue is survived by her loving husband of sixty-six years, John Stickle; one sister Patricia Lorance (Horace Lorance, deceased); her four children—Linda Wilhite (Jerry Wilhite, deceased) of Elberta, Alabama; Billy Stickle (Regina Leverrier) of Lakewood, Colorado; Mike Stickle (Theresa Stickle) of Cassopolis, Michigan; and Mary Blackmer (Dave Blackmer) of Coldwater, Michigan; ten grandchildren—Chad Wilhite (Chrystal Wilhite) of Elberta, Alabama; Joey Wilhite of Hallyville, Alabama; Trista Beck of Robertsdale, Alabama; Jonathan Stickle of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Dylan Stickle of Lakewood, Colorado; Stephanie Transou (Jocelyn Transou) of Grass Lake, Michigan; Jennifer Mueting (John Mueting) of Byron Center, Michigan; Matthew Blackmer of Buffalo, New York; Phoenix Corbeau (Cas Corbeau) of Battle Creek, Michigan; and Eric Blackmer of Coldwater, Michigan—along with ten great-grandchildren and ten great-great- grandchildren.

Sue will be remembered for her faith, her dedication to family and service, her love of learning, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Marcellus United Methodist Church beginning at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.