Sue Ann Spencer

Sue was born on March 7, 1944, in Rensselaer, Indiana, to William and Beth (Gaines) Stockton, and grew up there alongside her brother Will and her sisters Kathy and Margaret. She graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1962, then headed to Ball State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 1966. She knew she’d found her calling and completed her master’s degree in education in 1973.

Sue spent her career as a grade school teacher. She chose to work with young children because she wanted to spark a love of learning right from the start. In her classroom, children learned more than reading and counting. They learned to believe in themselves. Even after she retired, she couldn’t stay away. She volunteered in Lansing-area schools, still encouraging young learners and cheering them on.

Outside the classroom, Sue loved to make things beautiful. She painted in watercolor, and music was one of the great joys of her life. She was a long-time member of The Peoples Church in East Lansing, where she sang in the choir.

Sue is survived by her children, Kara Spencer and Matt Spencer; her granddaughter, Katie Matlock (Bryan Fongers); her brother, Will Stockton; and her sisters, Kathy Stockton-Behnke (Dan Behnke) and Margaret Stockton. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Beth Stockton, and her sister-in-law, Joyce Stockton.

The family extends a special thank you to the caregivers who looked after Sue over the years, especially the staff of Centered Care and Heart to Heart Hospice, and to Grace in the Leaving and her end-of-life doula, Laura Hoekstra, for their kindness and compassion.

A service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at The Peoples Church, with the Rev. Dr. Shawnthea Monroe presiding. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Sue will then return home to Rensselaer, Indiana, where she will be laid to rest in the family plot at Memory Gardens following a graveside service at 12:00pm Central time on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Peoples Church, designated for the renovation of the choir loft and the expansion of its accessibility.

Arrangements are being handled by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing.