Sue Riehl

On April 4, 1954 in Milford, Delaware, Susan Jean was born to Jack and Gertie Sapp; bright and beautiful, Sue was the Sapps' second child and only daughter. Houston, Delaware was her childhood hometown and the home place of generations before her. While in school Sue was an honor student as well as an avid one. At the age of 13, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in a Sunday School class. Sue's faith in Christ was foremost and sure throughout her life. She was loved by everyone she met and was a very giving and compassionate person.

In the summer of 1969, a young airman from Dover Air Force Base began attending Milford Church of God, where Sue and her family had long attended. A friendship was sparked, after which a beautiful courtship began, and on July 22, 1972, the happy couple were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Donald Riehl. After making their first home in California, they moved to Salem, Oregon to birth a business as well as a family. 1975 and 1977 saw the arrivals of their beloved children, Kristen and Philip. The next year found them returning to Delaware to be close to Sue's family. Don was then led to attend Northwest Bible College in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1981. While simultaneously caring for her young family, Sue provided her husband invaluable assistance with his studies. Not long after Don's graduation, the Riehls returned to Salem, Oregon.

While Sue excelled her way through various clerical positions, her most notable career was with the State of Oregon. First working with the Department of Veterans' Affairs, she then joined the Oregon Department of Education. After a few years, Sue became Director of Driver Education. She helped craft measures concerning young drivers that were implemented as policy. Saving children's lives on roadways was always paramount. In 2006, Sue became Youth Program Manager for the Oregon Transportation Safety Division. She was a gifted, inspired writer and public speaker. The reference manual Sue wrote, implementing traffic safety for youth of all ages, influenced many.

After celebrating twenty-five years working for the State of Oregon, Sue happily retired, enjoying travel with Don in their motor home, mastering the intricacies of her famous gluten-free baked goods, and treasuring time with her grandchildren. Her singing career, whether in duets with Don or in church choir, continued as it had since she was a teenager. Countless audience members have been blessed by Sue's gorgeous voice and presence.

After suffering from Alzheimer's Disease for many years, Sue went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 14, 2023.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, John F. and Gertrude P. Sapp, and her brother, David Sapp. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Donald Riehl; her daughter, Kristen Behlings (Dan); son Phil Riehl (Annie); grandchildren, Azure Riehl and Kai Riehl; brother, John Sapp (Nancy); sister-in-law, Jeanne Sapp; aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and many friends and loved ones scattered all over the world.

A memorial service for Sue will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Salem Evangelical Church (455 Locust Street NE, Salem, Oregon), with a light luncheon immediately following.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Riehl family.