Nancy 'Sue' Hoeft

BESSEMER, Mich. - On Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, Nancy "Sue" Hoeft, 86, of Bessemer, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sue was born June 14, 1937, to Viola (Heun) and Wallace Slade Sr. during the depression. She grew up on a small farm in Ironwood Township where she learned to work hard and accept sacrifice.

She attended Newport School and graduated in 1955 from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood. She attended Gogebic Community College where she met the love of her life, Clarence Hoeft. She later attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Sue and Clarence were married on March 23, 1957, and made their home in Bessemer. The joy of Sue's life was caring for her family and she and Clarence raised three daughters at their home on North Moore Street.

Sue was a kind and compassionate woman, always smiling. She was a mom to all the neighborhood kids and to every child she knew. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Sue loved giving parties for every holiday. Both Sue and Clarence loved Christmas and always made it a special family time to celebrate the birth of Christ. Her wide array of home baked Christmas cookies were second to none.

Sue had a special love for all animals, and always had a kitty or two in her life. She was her own animal shelter before HOPE existed, and would often find dogs and cats at her door. She would find homes for them, and many became part of the family. She also took good care of all the wild animals that came to her yard.

Sue had a passion for gardening and raised "traffic-stopping" flowers around her yard. She also raised a variety of veggies which she froze and canned for her family and friends to enjoy. Her berry picking expeditions were legendary.

Throughout her life, Sue was a member of the Michigan Right to Life, the American Cancer Society, The Grand View Hospital Auxiliary, and she and Clarence sponsored two children from Guatemala through World Vision from birth to adulthood.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence; two sisters-in-law, Susie and Anna Slade; and her brother-in-law, Edward Hoeft.

She is survived by her daughters, Holly (Scott) Michelli, Laura (Brad) Noren, and Jessica (John) Kelly; and five grandchildren, Ben and Daniel Noren, and Jack (Chloe), Jared and Ava Kelly. She is further survived by three brothers, Wallace Jr., Daniel and Richard Slade; and two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Slade and Audrey Hoeft; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to give a special thank you for the outstanding care Sue received from Dr. James Rocco and his nurse, Joanne, as well as the staff at Westgate, Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community and her special caregiver there, Marlene.

"Mom was loved by many and remained a faithful servant to her Lord Jesus, who was always a priority in her life. She was the kindest, most loving and dedicated, wife, mom and grandma anyone could ask for and she will be greatly missed. Until we meet again Mom!"

A celebration of Sue's life will be held in the spring.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.