On December 7, 2021, Suzette Read, 57, passed away after a hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer. Suzette was born on August 28, 1964 to her parents, Chuck and Ruth Hill.
In 1982, Suzette graduated from New Palestine High School. Suzette would go on to attend the University of Indianapolis where she would earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and meet her husband, Jeff Read. Upon graduation, Suzette began her 20-year career in education, serving as a high-school biology and chemistry teacher at Seeger Memorial Jr.-Sr. High School, LaVille Jr.-Sr. High School, and Plymouth High School. Suzette maintained a deep desire to invest in each of her students and help them build futures they could be proud of.
In addition to her passion for teaching, Suzette was a devoted wife and mother. She married Jeff Read on October 1, 1988. Together, they had three children and helped raise several other children placed in foster care in Plymouth, Indiana.
Above all else, Suzette was a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and devotedly lived out her faith. She was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she served as a leader in her Sunday school class and other Bible studies. She also loved discipling young Christians and helping them grow into who God made them to be.
On April 10, 2018, Suzette was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. Despite the grave diagnosis and estimate of only six months to live, Suzette’s faith never wavered. She braved countless chemotherapy treatments and months of clinical trials. She also watched as friends and family rallied around her in prayer and in love to help her fight. In the end, Suzette was blessed with three more years to spend with loved ones before leaving this earth to spend eternity with her Heavenly Father. In that time, she celebrated her daughter’s commission into the Air Force, her son’s wedding, and the birth of her fourth grandchild.
Suzette is survived by her husband of 33 years, Jeff, and their children: Mitchell (Kayla) Read from Walton, IN; Nick (Emily) Read currently residing in Salt Lake City, UT; and Libby Read (stationed at Columbus AFB, MS); as well as their grandchildren: Case Read, Rayne Read, Grayson Read, and Mack Read. She is also survived by her younger brother, Scott Hill from, New Palestine, IN.
Suzette was preceded in death by her parents, Chuck and Ruth Hill. She was also preceded in death by her mother and father in-law, Sue and Lester Read.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. On Thursday, December 16, 2021 in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Trinity United Methodist Church, 425 S. Michigan Street, Plymouth with Pastor Kayla Grehl and Jeff Stueve officiating. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service in the church.
Burial will be in the New Oak Hill Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be sent to Trinity United Methodist Church, 425 S. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 or to Bible Study Fellowship Global Headquarters, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78258-4019.
Nancy Hoeffer says
Suzette was our Sunday School Teacher and so thorough in her teachings of the Bible. She was ill many Sundays, but continued to share her Faith never wavering. I had her three children in my Sunday School Class when they were young and they were such fantastic children, which Mitch has passed on to his young ones. My younger sister passed too, from Cancer and I saw what was in store for Suzette, but God gave them both the strength to face each day and know that they were never alone. Suzette was able to spend Thanksgiving in her new home and she was able to enjoy the beauty of the lake for a time. God bless.
Jeannette Teall says
Dear Jeff, Mitchell & Kayla, Nick & Emily, Libby and Grandchildren I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved Wife, Mother, Mother In Law and Grandmother Suzette.
Words can’t express what an impact Suzette had on my life and so many others. Her unwavering faith based determination to fight cancer was truly inspirational. Suzette’s leadership as a Sunday School teacher helped me grow in my understanding of biblical truths. She made the Bible relevant to my daily walk with the Lord. Suzette walked her talk. I’m forever grateful I can call Suzette my dear friend.
Patricia Leech says
Jeannette, what a wonderful tribute to Suzette. She was one special lady.
THE CHASE FAMILY says
Larry and I are saddened to read about Suzette. She was a good steward for our Lord and will be surely missed by her family and friends.
Becky Brodner says
I am so sorry. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
LAURIE HAYN says
Jeff, I am so very sorry for your loss and your family..I will be praying for all of you. She has had such a long battle, but it gives me peace to know we shall meet again, she knew Christ in that there is no doubt! May God comfort you all. I’m glad i got to meet her
Deb Emmons says
Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time!
Rose Sherwood Ervin says
This beautiful lady & her family were my neighbors. A kind & gracious lady , condolences to her family my heart is saddened for her loss .
Jeanette (Chase) Frick says
I am sorry to hear of your wife’s passing Jeff and for the entire family. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. It is so comforting to read of her steadfast faith. May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Tim and Marianne Peters says
Dear Jeff and family, we were so saddened to hear of Suzette’s death. She was such an example of Christian love, hospitality, and devotion to her faith and her family. I remember Bible studies in her dining room and pool parties with our kids, who were about the same age, as well as hayrides and other fun times with the Read family. Our prayers are with you.
Patricia Leech says
To the Read Family, so sorry for the loss of Suzette, she was such a lovely person who fought a tremendous battle. I was honored to know her thru working at PHS, and had many conversations with her. Prayers for comfort and peace in your hearts.
Jeanine (Chase) Holderead Stephenson says
My sympathy to Jeff and the Read family. My prayers will continue to be with all of you. The Read family is very special to the many church friends.
Jeanine (Chase) Holderead Stephenson
Jennifer Read says
I am so sorry to hear this. You are all in my prayers.
Angie (Boys) Mills says
I had NO idea…I am SO VERY SORRY for your loss. I just saw you a couple days ago, at my Mom’s funeral. Had I known. I would have offered my condolences <3
Amanda Benson says
My prayers go out to Mrs. Read’s family. She was an amazing teacher who made a difference in my life. Being a classmate of Mitch, I was able to attend many birthday parties at his house during our elementary days. His mom was the sweetest and most generous person. I’ll cherish those memories.
Kyle benson says
She was the sweetest lady I knew when I was in school and she will be truly miss. Heaven has gain a new Angel
Phil Wendel says
Jeff-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Although I don’t think I ever met her, she sounded like an amazing mother, educator, wife, and community member.
Nancy Sherwood Coney says
Jeff and Family,
Sorry sorry for your terrible loss. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Nancy Sherwood Coney
Chelsea says
Dear Read family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of a remarkable woman. We have been praying for you and your hearts which are no doubt hurting. I wish I had words to make it better.
Love, Devan and Chelsea Garcia and family
Lori McClellan says
Jeff, Mitchell & Kayla & children, Nick & Emily, and Libby-
I am so deeply sorry for the loss you are feeling. I pray for your peace and that your memories will help you through this loss.
Your mom was an amazing person who shared her heart with so many. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to call her a dear friend. I am grateful for all of our times we shared and will miss our great discussions and those times together! From the star gazing in your back yard to sharing the stories of each other’s children. I am so glad she was given extra time, I just wish it was more for all of us. She made the world brighter. Her miracle became so many others’ miracle. I told her often that she was my miracle! She gave us all love and hope! I pray that we can all live to be as great and humble as she was.
Ken Shilt says
Dear Jeff and family,
I’m very sorry to learn of Suzette’s passing. Losing a loved one is never easy, regardless of the circumstances. I know that the strength and courage she had in difficult days will serve as a beacon for not only your family, but for others who knew her. As your family navigates through this difficult time, I know that strength will come from your faith, your family, and the wonderful memories that brought so much laughter and joy. Tears are the price we must pay for loving someone.
Keeping you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.