Sue Ann Bennett's Obituary
Sue Ann Hodge was born to Allene and Paul Hodge in Rangun, Burma on January 11, 1951. Her father, Paul, was in the Navy, and was stationed abroad in Burma. Because of this, Allene and Sue’s elder sister, Paula K. Hodge, traveled there to be together for when Sue would be welcomed into the world. The Hodge family grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On some land near the Tulsa Airport, the two girls would run through the fields picking pecans and climbing the trees near their house and yard.
Sue attended and graduated from Will Rogers High School, matriculating in 1969. She was actively involved in the Fine Arts, performing in plays and musicals at Will Rogers where she loved to sing and dance. She pursued higher education at University of North Texas in Music Education, completing her undergraduate degree before continuing her graduate education in Counseling at the Texas A&M University.
Sue's background and passion for Music lead her to be a participant in the choir at Will Rogers United Methodist Church and was elevated to being employed by WRUMC as Choir Director for several years. Outside of church, her passions were realized further in Sisters in Song, a trio group of singers with Sue Pelzel and Linda Paul. They sang together for many years, even recording a collection of their renditions of church hymns in an album.
Sue met Ron Hershberger in Dallas, Texas, shortly after her time at Texas A&M was complete. They were married in 1981 and Sue became Sue Hodge Hershberger. Sue and Ron loved the outdoors, and they lived for a brief time in Montana. When they found out that Sue was expecting their first child, Preston, they decided to move back to Tulsa to be closer to family. Ron had previous experience in law enforcement and security services and was employed by J.C. Penny for Security in Tulsa.
Sue and Ron had Preston in June of 1985, and then another son, Jarod, in late 1986. Life took an unexpected turn when Ron passed away in Spring of 1994, leaving Sue widowed with two young boys. Even through this challenge of single parenthood, she did everything she could for her greatest joys: her two boys. It was her years of never-ending dedication to her boys that Preston could pursue being a member of his high school band, and eventually through a tenure of the Army National Guard. That same dedication allowed Jarod to pursue baseball from elementary school through college. Sue was always encouraging and supportive, even when it was hard to be so.
As mentioned before, one of Sue’s biggest hobbies was dancing, and in particular, square-dancing.
She belonged to the Speck-taculars club in Tulsa. It was here that Sue met Carl Bennett in summer
of 2005, and the two began dating. Sue became Sue Bennett in 2006, and the two remained married until her passing in September of 2024. Sue and Carl enjoyed traveling together, taking road trips in their camper, and spending time at the lake.
Sue was a passionate advocate for her beliefs, and the way she lived was an intentional representation of the joy one can have through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Sue passed peacefully from Bristow, Oklahoma, on September 20, 2024. Sue was a bold force in this world and touched the lives of many with her vibrant spirit. She will be forever missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, at Floral Haven Funeral Home: 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
Anyone wishing to send flowers for the service may do so by calling Floral Designs by Floral Haven at (918) 459-1525. Any independent florists may deliver flowers directly to Floral Haven Funeral Home by 3:00 PM on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in order for them to be set out and properly displayed for Sue's visitation in a timely manner.
A funeral service to honor the life of Sue will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel, located at: 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012, with Pastor Bob Johns officiating.
Sue's family kindly invites guests to consider wearing the color purple to Sue's service, as it was her favorite color. While not required, it would be a meaningful way to honor her memory and would be much appreciated.
Interment will follow at 11:00 AM, immediately after conclusion of the chapel service at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Apostles for those wishing to attend.
Arrangements entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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