Susan Howting's Obituary
Big Rapids - Susan Howting, 72, of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, October 4, 2013, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born September 12, 1941, in Abbington, PA, the daughter of George and Charlotte (Stevenson) Elliott. The family moved to Birmingham, MI, where Sue graduated from Seaholm High School in 1959. At age 21, Sue was a buyer and department head for the J.L. Hudson Company in Detroit and Northland. On June 27, 1964, she was married to Frederick Howting, and they moved to Big Rapids in 1966. For over 20 years, Sue worked in the billing department for Mecosta County Medical Center. Sue was a very proficient water and snow skier, and excelled at softball. She was active in the Mecosta County Republican Party as a delegate to state conventions, and was recently elected as Canvasser overlooking local elections. For the past 12 years, Sue was caregiver for her beloved husband Fred, nursing him through 2 different types of cancer and also open-heart surgery. She also loved gardening and cooking, and had a soft spot in her heart for animals. Sue is survived by her husband Fred; son John (Betsy) of Atlanta, GA; daughter Tracey (Matt) Jacobs of Grand Haven; 3 grandchildren, Sara, Eric, and Alice; sister Elizabeth Harshbarger of Naples, FL; brother Steve (Lily) Elliott of San Francisco, CA; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial services for Sue will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2013, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Ed Milam. Her family will greet friends at the funeral home on Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
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