Susan Jean SAWYER
Born: Tu 6 Oct 1953 at Albuquerque, NM (Kirtland AFB hospital?)
Father: Robert William SAWYER 1928-2019 Spouse: none Children: none
At right, taken during Susan's time at West Sub '71-3 ===>> |
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Susan was born in Albuquerque, NM, when her parents were stationed at Sandia base at Kirtland AFB there (2yr draft 1952-4), perhaps at the base hospital. Her Uncle Jim and Aunt Rosena also lived there in 1953. When Bob's military service ended (1954), he accepted a charge to manage a mission in a very remote location (where? '54-62?) in VERY basic conditions. Later they moved to run Faith Orphanage ('Christian Home for Children') at Colorado Springs, CO ('62-6). The family also spent quite a bit of time at Wiley, near Lamar in SE CO where Lois had come from (born?), esp. summer vacations, etc. My family visited the family at the big house in CO Spgs (1880 S Cascade Ave, 1962-6) and running around playing games w/the cousins (and Steve singing 'Mare's Eat Oats ...' it was 1965, same yr as huge flood, flight was VERY rough coming in. The family moved to Allendale in 1966 (Cliff/Mabel followed them soon after, he'd retired '65 right?). Sue was 13yo and graduated '71 from the local Allendale public HS [where Bob taught, right?]. Lois was an RN and volunteered (later paid i.e. IRS insisted) at Rest Haven nursing home in nearby Grand Rapids (associated with PB Church). My family visited theirs often in Allendale, since we lived only about 45 minutes away in Grand Haven. I remember many occasions of playing in their basement, running around outside (trampoline, minibike, etc), playing table games, etc. Also big group meals in the basement and Uncle Bob's famously short prayers since all were very hungry.
After HS graduation, Sue pursued nursing training at West Suburban Hospital in Chicago (Oakbrook Hospital), IL in a 3-year program, but returned home in May? '73 after 2yrs due to her struggle with depression. Not sure what she did next 2 years, possibly worked (volunteer?) at Rest Haven nursing home in Grand Rapids, MI? Early in 1975 Sue had a 'crisis' which prompted her parents to take her to Dr ? SOLOMON in Denver, CO, for extended counseling over several months. Then I believe it was that summer when Sue spent ~2.5 months at her Uncle Jim and Aunt Rosena's home in Grand Haven, not far from Allendale, MI. She enjoyed going to the beach and attending Youth Group meetings. Seems like she was still struggling with what to do with her life and how to approach it, tough questions like 'who am I, why am I here, what should be my worldview ...'. Also likely some depression and self-worth issues. Bro Steve had invited her to come to Phoenix area, so toward the end of that summer ('75) Sue decided to move to Phoenix area (513 W 17th Pl, Tempe 82981 with another earlier Phx? addr under 'white out' in JCS/R's 1980 addr bk). In Tempe she went back to school at ASU and earned her BSN, taking a job at AZ Health Plan (AHP) as a public health nurse. Her job included making house calls on people in some sketchy situations, which seems like it could've been discouraging at times. But she was also very involved with Bill/Grace THRALL's Open Door Fellowship (link, I believe she, Steve and Ben appear in their 30-minute 'story' video, in Apr '74 ODF had bought the Hand in Hand bldg on ? Fairmont Av, Phx), as was Steve beginning earlier and Ben after he moved to Phx in 1981. Sue led many women's small groups, and was instrumental in leading Sue TRAVIS to Christ (Bob/Sue TRAVIS became very dear friends of Ben after Sue's death). While in Phx, Sue and Ben travelled one Christmas to visit Lois' side of the family in Amarillo, TX. They enjoyed the trip together and had a great time w/their cousins there. She was, of course, shocked and horrified (as we all were) by her bro Steve's d. in Jan 1977.
In early 1982 Sue broke up with her boyfriend Harold ? (from ODF?) and the pain of that seemed to really rattle her. She fell back into a deep depression and had to take a leave of absence from AHP. Ben invited her to stay w/him at that time, which she did for several weeks. Then one day she told Ben she was feeling much better and wanted to return to the house she shared with a few other girls from ODF. A few days later Ben received a call from Dr ? ARMSTRONG (a physician and ODF member) that Sue had taken her own life. This was devastating news, another very shocking end to a vibrant and dynamic young life. Not sure if there was a service (AZ/MI?) but she was buried next to her bro Steve at the small graveyard near Allendale (cf below).
Not sure if anyone suggested this to me, but I've always interpreted this pic as being of Susie as an innocent and pretty little girl before her later troubles began.
Smiling Susan at 7yo 1960-1 in CO
The family in CO early 1960s
Susan in 1971 (tho near other '76 pics in album) w/cap/gown for HS graduation, taken at Allendale home (on left w/Clifford/Mabel)
HS graduation 1971? (blue sweater)
Jun '72, Aug '74 at 120 Crescent Dr, GH
Sue and Steve's graves side-by-side
taken Fr 10-4-19 Allendale Cemetery, N of M-45 on W side of 60th Av just N of Warren
(12655 60th Av), plat 599 i.e. drive in S entrance, past middle road to SW corner
