Suzanne Underwood ’57 TenHoeve

Suzanne TenHoeve was born September 5, 1935, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, to Rhea and James Underwood. She attended Dickinson Elementary School, Burton Junior High, and South High School. While there, she and friends established a noon hour Bible Club. As a youth she attended Griggs Street E.U.B Church where she sang in Youth Choir and was active in many church programs.

Sue chose to go to Hope College in 1953 where she met her future husband, Thomas TenHoeve Jr., in the Dining Hall her first week on campus. While at College Sue held leadership positions in the YWCA, Sibylline Society, and Student Government, and was graduated with highest honors majoring in English.

On June 7,1957 she and Tom were married at her church. Sue then began her teaching career at South Haven, MI, High School. After one year, Tom who also taught there, was offered a position teaching Biology at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Sue then taught English at Alton, IA, High School along with one course at the College. At the high school she also directed plays and supervised the school newspaper. During their first 2 years in Orange City, Sue and Tom also were Men’s Dormitory House Parents.

In 1960 Sue had her first child, Thomas III. Daughter, Carol, was born late 1961. In 1963 Sue and Tom moved to Toledo, OH, where Tom then completed his Ph.D. at the University and Sue took graduate courses. While there in 1964 son, Timothy, was born. In 1965 they moved back to Orange City where Sue was active in community and church affairs, while teaching part time at 2 high schools, and Tom was the Academic Dean of the College.

After moving to Butler, PA, in 1970, where Tom was President of the Community College, Sue spearheaded very successful United Way Campaigns, was YW President, became Chairperson of the Church Council, headed a large Pennsylvania Disabled Citizens organization, drove for Meals on Wheels, and often was School Room Mother. In 1984 Sue and Tom moved to Des Plaines, IL. While there Sue was a Lutheran Church secretary, and annually coordinated a picnic and baked brownies for 2200 Oakton College employees where Tom was the President.

Sue and Tom retired to Holland, MI, in 1995. Sue sang in the Third Reformed Church choir for many years, led numerous Women’s Ministry projects, served on the Prayer Team, was a Care Elder and Vice President of Consistory. For 18 years she served as a volunteer Tulip Time Trolley Guide.

She is survived by her husband, Tom ’56; 3 children, Tom III ’83, Carol (Bill) Winter, Tim (Sarah); 6 grandchildren, Carissa (Brian) Speelman, Cailyn TenHoeve ’17, Samantha Winter, Luke Winter, Thomas R., Tyler, and Jack TenHoeve; and 2 great grandchildren, Adeline and Owen Speelman. One grandchild, Jacob Winter, is deceased.