Miriam Sue Denzer passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 14. Sue was born on April 9, 1932, and was the daughter of Omar and Effie Belle (Miller) Blauch. Sue was raised in Sugarcreek, Ohio with her three brothers and sister. Sue excelled in school and attended Otterbein College at the age of 16. It was at Otterbein where she would meet the love of her life, Robert Denzer. Immediately after Bob and Sue were married, Bob was sent to the Korean Conflict. Once back from the war, Bob took a position as physical fitness director for the Mount Vernon YMCA, and Sue taught elementary school at a tiny school in Amity, where there was no indoor plumbing. Bob soon became the executive director for the Mount Vernon YMCA, where he held that position for 32 years.
Sue was an accomplished vocalist and sang in church and community choirs her whole life, even up until the time of her death. Sue also directed children’s, middle and high school choirs, and chancel choirs at First Presbyterian Church for many years. She and Bob also sang in the chancel choir for over 60 continuous years, and accumulated over 7,000 hours of practice!
Sue was the mother of two sons, John and Andy, and was a nurturing mother. Sue instilled in her sons the love of classical music and made sure they knew the difference between Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky. Sue had her favorite radio station, WOSU, echoing off the walls every day at the house. She especially loved organ pieces composed by Bach. In fact, the organ was her favorite instrument to listen to. Sue also participated in many Mount Vernon productions, her favorite role being Mother Superior in the Sound of Music. Sue was fond of birds and made sure her sons knew the calls of a Cardinal versus a Blue Jay.
Sue was a veracious reader, often reading three books at a time. Sue also loved crossword and Sudoku puzzles (but cheated sometimes), and couldn’t wait for the daily Columbus Dispatch to be delivered, so that she could delve into her games. Sue was an avid Bridge player, and was known as one of Mount Vernon’s best players at the game. Sue was also a “Facebook Junky,” and hated when the Buckeyes lost.
Once Sue’s children reached middle school, she went back to college and received her Master of Education degree from The Ohio State University. With her degree in hand, she became an elementary music teacher for the Mount Vernon City Schools, where she taught music to thousands of children. To the time of her death, Sue would have students of hers come up to her and thank her for giving them the love and gift of music. She was loved by many of her students.
After retirement, Sue and Bob moved to the country off Martinsburg Road, where they grew a beautiful garden; Asparagus was their favorite. It was here that the children and grandchildren would enjoy many wonderful occasions, filled with great food, Easter Egg hunts, and conversation. Sue was known for her delicious signature beef chuck roast.
There were many family vacations with John and Andy and their children. Besides vacationing at Anna Maria, there were trips to Holden and Sunset Beach in North Carolina, where the children learned to enjoy the ocean.
Sue was proud of her community and had an active social life. She enjoyed dinners at the Alcove, often starting off with a Manhattan. In her later years she attended Silver Sneakers and Yoga at the Mount Vernon YMCA, and enjoyed time exercising with friends.
Bob and Sue travelled throughout Europe on bicycles, even riding through lower hills in Switzerland. Upon their retirement, Bob and Sue wintered at Anna Maria, Florida for over 25 years, where they became friends with many of the “locals.” They loved going to Ginny and Janes for breakfast, Duffy’s for lunch, and Rod and Reel for dinner. During the afternoons they would play Rummikub on the beach, keeping score of each game. They loved Anna Maria.
Sue loved the First Presbyterian Church, and attended a weekly women’s Bible Study for many years. It was here that she developed lifelong friends, who read scripture, prayed and gave support to each other. Beside serving as a choir director and singing in the choir, Sue served as a deacon and elder for the church. She loved her Lord, offering Him praise through her beautiful voice.
Sue loved politics and was a staunch Republican who loved watching Fox News; “The Five” being her favorite show.
Sue had a wonderful, full life. She loved her God, her family, her church, her music, and her books – she had a beautiful life.
Sue is survived by her husband, having been married for 72 years. She is also survived by her sons, John (Debra) Denzer and Andy (Michele) Denzer; grandchildren, Caroline (Tyler) Durbin, Ellen (Miles) Bubbett and Rose Denzer; great grandchildren, Boone and River Durbin, and Wes Bubbett.
In addition to her parents, Sue was proceeded in death by her brothers, Doyle, Claude, Clare and sister, Charlene, and her granddaughter, Dr. Anna Quinn Denzer-Emerson, and great granddaughter, Blair Abigale Emerson.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at a date to be determined.
Contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon or the YMCA.
The Snyder Funeral Homes, Dowds Chapel is honored to serve the family of Miriam Sue Denzer.
