Susan Shultz

Susan was a devoted family woman. A loving wife, a kind-hearted mother, and a very special grandmother, nothing brought her greater joy than the time she spent with her family. An endearing person who sincerely loved all people, there simply wasn’t anything that Susan wouldn’t do for anyone in need. She leaves behind a warm collection of memories to be lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Despite the war in Korea, by 1952 Americans considered themselves to be prospering. The average worker was earning $3,400 per year, three out of five families owned a car, and more than half of families owned televisions in their homes. That same year, Everett Junior and Betty Ann (Ten Hoor) Medema welcomed home their newborn daughter, Susan Gail, in Everett, Washington on May 9th. Joining her two sisters, Judy and Joanne and eventually Sally, her birth brought great happiness to her parents.

Growing up in Washington, Susan lived a typical childhood of the times. Her dad drove a truck for Wonder Bread and her mother was a teacher before later becoming a seamstress in the community. As a family, they worshiped regularly and enjoyed taking several camping trips with extended family. Susan excelled in school at Watson Groen and graduated with the Class of 1970 from Everett Christian. In school, she was remembered for her skills in storytelling and her quick wit. Susan enrolled at Calvin College where she earned a Bachelor’s in Sociology in 1974. Anything she set out to accomplish, she always gave her personal best.

As a young woman, she enjoyed keeping a social calendar. She met the love of her life, Bob Shultz while they were both on a blind date with other dates! Bob enjoyed her humor and she loved his charming personality. Hitting it off that evening, Bob asked her out and the rest was history! Before they knew it, they had been dating for eighteen months! During this time, they planned their wedding for July 20, 1973, at First Christian Reformed Church in Everett, Washington. The newlyweds took a romantic honeymoon to the Oregon coast, before settling on the west side of Grand Rapids. They were delighted to purchase their home at 919 5th Street. Soon after, they moved to 1227 Valley where they raised their three wonderful children; Bethany, Rob, and Joe.

As a mother, Susan was a natural in her role. She loved to spoil her kids and knew how to balance their lives when they were faced with challenges. During their growing years, Bob worked for Coca-Cola and Susan worked as a mailroom supervisor at Aetna Insurance. They made a happy home for their children. Susan enjoyed balancing work and play all while making them laugh along the way! As a family, they vacationed in Traverse City, Niagara Falls, and took multiple trips to Washington State. Any chance they had, they also traveled to cheer on the Detroit Tigers baseball team! Susan had perfected her spaghetti and roast beef dishes over the years and enjoyed a crowded table. There was always plenty to go around! Her nurturing personality left her children never doubting they were loved.

In addition to her work and family life, Susan held many special interests. She enjoyed cross stitch and sewing as well as reading. She could easily read several books a month, mostly fantasy and mystery. When it came to music, Susan loved the oldies including; REO Speedwagon and Simon and Garfunkel. She also enjoyed Christian hymns and artists. Sentimental and proud of her heritage, she also held a large collection of rings and antiques from her previous ancestors. Active in her church life, Susan was a member of Bible study for over forty years! She was also a Deacon, a Kids Hope volunteer, and a member of Westend Wednesday which involved the Feeding America food truck. She was always cheerful to serve her community and loved spreading the Good News of the Lord. She lived her life as a beautiful example of compassion for others.

As much as she relished in her role as a mother, Susan was over the moon when she became a grandmother. She adored each one of them with all her heart. Each time they came to visit, she dropped everything to give her full attention to them. She loved hearing about their many successes and sharing in their celebrations. Generous beyond measure, she was more than willing to share her time and resources. A loyal friend to many, Susan will be sincerely missed. Her humor, as well as her endless love, will be her greatest legacies. May her loved ones find comfort in knowing that she loved them without measure and may her memories be eternal.

Susan Gail Shultz, [Medema], age 72, of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, while in the comfort of her home and the company of her family. Susan was born in the Spring of 1952 in Everett, WA to the late Everett and Betty Medema.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Robert Shultz who passed away in 2023.

Susan is survived by her children, Bethany (Brad) Kole, Rob (Susann) Shultz, and Joe Shultz; grandchildren, Olivia, Elise, Sam, Tyler, and Noah; siblings, Judy Medema, Joanne (Jack) VandenBerg and Sally (Bob) Cook and many nieces and nephews.

Susan’s funeral service will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, (2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW., Grand Rapids, MI 49504). The family will receive visitors from 4:00 PM until the start of the service.

Susan will be laid to rest next to Robert in Rosedale Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Feeding America, West Michigan, (3070 Shaffer Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512). https://www.feedwm.org/

Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to submit a favorite memory or photo, or to sign the guestbook.