Sue Melosh

Georgia Sue Richie was born on January 11, 1933, in Calloway County in western Kentucky to C.E. and Erma Richie. She was the youngest child and joined sisters Frankie, Ann, and Margaret as well as brothers Charlie and Harry. She didn’t care for her first name and preferred Sue.

In September of 1949, Sue married the first love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Billington, in Kentucky. At the tender ages of 18 and 15, respectively, they moved to Detroit, Michigan, to start their life together. 3 children were born: Deborah (Debbie) in 1951, Vicky in 1954, and Mark in 1957, and they settled in Livonia.

Sue enjoyed raising her family and held a few positions outside of the home. Her most rewarding job was being a nanny/housekeeper for several families over the years. Her nannied children became as large a part of her life as her own children. Sue was active in her church, Kenwood Church of Christ, and sang in the choir with a beautiful soprano voice. She made many lasting friends over the years and hardly ever missed Sunday service. In 2002, Sue lost Jerry after 53 years of marriage. Her faith and family sustained her, but life had another surprise for her.

In 2005, Sue met Jim Melosh through friends at church. After connecting through the loss of a spouse (Jim’s wife of over 30 years had passed in 2003) and a short courtship, Sue and Jim were married in February of 2006 and began their new life together. Though Sue was not an avid traveler, Jim showed her many wonderful places. They honeymooned in Hawaii, took many trips to spots in the US, and took a European river cruise with stops in many interesting countries. Sadly, in 2021 it was necessary for Jim to enter Memory Care.

In 2022, Sue suffered a stroke, which took away her ability to communicate, which was very frustrating for her. But she didn’t let it stop her from enjoying things. As a resident of Fairmont of Farmington Hills, she made many new friends, enjoyed the many activities and loved the folks who helped care for her.

Sue is survived by her daughter, Debbie (Rick) Rattai of Howell, and son, Mark (Debbie) of Livonia. She was Granny to 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her daughter Vicky and husband Jim.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, November 14, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 W Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152.