Grand Rapids — Susannah Ehmke, 77, passed away on November 12, 2022 in hospice care in Chicago, IL in the presence of her daughter and was later joined by her remaining children.
Susannah was born to Anna Jensen and Frank Holsburg in Kansas City, MO. Her family fondly remembers her birthday as the first day of spring. She graduated from Raytown High School in 1963 and started a family. As a teenager, she dreamed of being a mom with a big family. In addition to being a wife and mother, she became a prolific seamstress that made clothing, blankets, curtains, toys, and was skilled at making garment alterations.
In 1970, Sue moved to northwest Ohio, residing in Sylvania and then the Bowling Green area. She was active in several community groups including St. John’s Episcopal Church where she participated in vestry and was recognized for liturgical needlework with the ladies of The Women’s Guild. She worked at Bowling Green State University for over a decade, retired, and then worked as a receptionist and as an accountant before finally retiring for good several years ago.
Sue had a bright smile and friendly personality. She loved to chat and was always available to talk to family and friends. She had a charitable heart and donated to many causes. Her family loved her cooking, especially her homemade spaghetti sauce, soups, and relishes that she canned. Her canning technique was featured in the local paper. She was a gardener and liked to arrange flowers. She was an avid reader. In her retired years, she crocheted many colorful blankets cherished by her family. She loved spending time at her home in Grand Rapids.
Susannah is survived by her daughter Susannah “Sue Ann” Mason, her son Wade (Josette) Mason, her son Thomas “Andy” (Angela) Ehmke, her daughter Jessica Ehmke, and her grandchildren: Emily Mason; Windsor, Rio, and Shane Mason; and Julia and Eva Ehmke. She is preceded in death by her son, Winston Mason. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Holsburg.
A memorial for Susannah will be held at Hosanna Lutheran Church 23019 Kellogg Road Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522 on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 3 pm to 5 pm.
