MOUNT VERNON – Suzanne J. Spence, 82, of Mount Vernon passed away on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, at the Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on June 20, 1940, in Newark to the late Earl and Mary (Scheiber) Humes. Suzanne was a 1958 graduate of Newark High School, where she was on student council and received a National Forensic League Award. While at Newark High School, she met the love of her life, Richard Spence, and they were married for 55 years until his passing in 2014. Suzanne was an active member of the Fredericktown United Methodist Church FA-HO-CHA class and Joy Circle. While she was involved in numerous clubs, golf leagues and activities over the years, most recently she was a member of the Sunset Club, The Royal Divas Red Hatters, Fredericktown Senior Citizens Group, Tai Chai, Women in Wall Street, and several bridge clubs. She was a member of Ohio Eastern Star for over 40 years and served as an adviser for the Rainbow Girls; served as a Girl Scout Leader for several years, traveled the U.S. with her troop, and then went on to become a board member for the Heart of Ohio Girl Scout council. In 1983, she was part of a task force that formed New Directions and was instrumental in putting the first shelter together. She served as president of the board for several years and, in 2018, was honored by New Directions as the fourth recipient of the Mary Hendrickson award.
Her work history reflected her social personality. She spent several years working with Copper Craft Guild, attaining many awards for top sales. She went on to be a director of Welcome Wagon and came out of retirement to work as a sales person for Hallmark. She enjoyed being a snowbird, spending her winters in Naples, Fla. A lover and patron of the arts, she traveled far and wide to concerts and plays and rarely missed a local event. She lived life to the fullest, never letting the grass grow under her feet, and although her calendar was overflowing, she never hesitated to help a friend or family member in need. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister and always put her family first.
She will be sadly missed by her sons, Dr. Bradlee (Alice) Spence and Eric (Melanie) Spence; her daughters, Mary Spence and Annette (Tony Cline) Dooley; 15 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; her sisters Holley (Bill) Morris and Patrice Cataldo; special cousin Kiki Walp, who was like a sister; and many friends who were loved and considered as family.
In addition to her parents, Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Spence; her brother Michael Humes; step-mother Maxine Humes; son-in-law Larry J. Dooley; and grandson Logan Hall.
Friends may call on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at the Fredericktown United Methodist Church from 2-6 p.m. A memorial service will follow, beginning at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fredericktown United Methodist Church Building Fund or New Directions Shelter of Knox County Ohio.
To send the family a condolence online visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Home in Fredericktown is honored to serve the family of Suzanne J. Spence.
