Susan Lee (Bennetts) Ledbetter, age 81, of Houghton Lake, passed away on Sunday June 30, 2024, at the Gladwin Nursing and Rehabilitation Community.
Susan was born on May 24, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to Arthur and Rosemary (Murphy) Bennetts. As a child, she lived in many places, but eventually was settled near her large extended family in the metro-Detroit area, where she graduated from high school. On August 30, 1969, Susan was married to Robert JB Ledbetter in Roseville, Michigan. They went on to have five children: Wendy (William) Smith, Robert (Marcia) Ledbetter, John Ledbetter, Christina Ledbetter and Brian (Melissa) Ledbetter. Susan had always wanted to have children and loved being a mom. Robert and Susan raised their family on a farm in Brown City, Michigan. It was no easy task to care for a farm and a family, but despite this, when she was in her 40’s, she decided to return to school and earned a degree as a Registered Nurse. She had a heart for service and began her nursing career at Lapeer Regional hospital. As her career progressed, she worked in many different nursing fields, including labor & delivery, pediatrics and hospice care. The couple moved from Brown City to Houghton Lake with their youngest child Brian in 1996. Susan was a creative spirit, and expressed it in many different ways, including writing, cooking and especially sewing and quilting. But true to form, the thing that brought her the most joy was being around her husband and family.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents; her son John, her beloved sister Barb Sadler; and her nieces Linda Dopke and Debbie Sadler, who were like sisters to her. Mrs. Ledbetter is survived by her loving husband of nearly 55 years; four of her children; thirteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Her tenth great-grandchild, a girl, is due in August. She also leaves behind her niece Lorra Sadler, and her cousin Judy Mackey, who are deeply loved.
A Celebration of Life Service and Gathering for Susan Lee Ledbetter will take place at 11 a.m. on August 31, 2024, at the Roscommon Township Hall, 8555 Knapp Road, Houghton Lake, MI 48629. In lieu of flowers or trees, please consider donating to the Support Susan’s Legacy: Quilts for Tiny Miracles GoFundMe campaign (gofund.me/b6251e2f).. All contributions will be used to purchase Joann’s gift cards, which will be donated to Tiny Miracles of Michigan, an organization that specializes in making quilts for neonatal units in hospitals throughout Michigan. This cause combines two of Susan’s greatest joys – her love of quilting and her baby boy John Christopher, who was born prematurely in 1974. Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com
