Susan Elizabeth Doll, age 78, died May 25, 2024 after battling lung cancer. Susan was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 1, 1945 to Burrell and Rosalie Hendershot (both deceased) and is survived by her daughter Katherine Elizabeth (Doll) Varner, her husband Brandon Varner, grandchildren Elliot and Elaina Varner, a brother, Michael Hendershot, and nieces Emily and Juliane Hendershot.
Sue grew up in Michigan and Indiana, graduating from James Whitcomb Riley High School in South Bend in 1963. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Michigan State University. Sue taught middle school English in the Grand Ledge, Michigan public school system for 34 years until her retirement in 2003. She was beloved by her students and respected by parents. She was a proud member of the Michigan Education Association and was selected by her fellow teachers to represent the union in contract negotiations with the Grand Ledge school district.
Along with her professional accomplishments, Sue kept the family household together as a great cook, housekeeper, tutor, bill payer, and driver. In the summer, she enjoyed sitting out on the deck at their place on Gun Lake, chatting with neighbors and going for rides on the pontoon boat.
Sue was a positive person and a pure soul. She was trusting, friendly and outgoing, greeting people with her beautiful smile. Everyone she met became a friend, whether it was the cashier at the grocery store or the teller at the bank. She knew their names and their stories. She was a member of the Bronco Babes, a group of women friends from high school and college who remained friends for decades. In later years, she moved from Michigan to Virginia Beach, Virginia to be closer to her daughter Katie’s family. She became an active member of the Old Donation Episcopal Church and made many new friends there.
Sue enjoyed travel and took several trips to Europe, including a memorable voyage to Paris with her daughter Katie and granddaughter Elaina, fulfilling a longstanding bucket list item. She also made several Spring Break visits to Arizona to spend time with her brother Mike and his family.
Sue will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.