Obituary for Suzanne Renee Read
Suzanne Renée (Hurd) Read, 52, Battle Creek, Michigan, entered fully into the presence of
her Lord and savior on March 23, 2020, after suffering from Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker
(GSS), a debilitating disease which finally took its toll on her body. She was the third girl and
youngest of six children born to Robert Edward and Peggy Ellen (Ward) Hurd, the perfect
puzzle piece to round out the Hurd family.
Suzie, as she was affectionately known, spent her childhood years enjoying road-trip family
vacations to various campgrounds and US landmarks. As the youngest child, she wanted to be
independent like her older siblings, often declaring “I do it myself!” while climbing rocks on
hiking trips. Being the youngest also fueled a spirit of competition which led to her athletic drive.
In her youth, Suzie played softball and later took up running, qualifying for and finishing the
Boston Marathon in 2012! She used her love of running to inspire young girls to believe in
themselves and achieve their potential by helping develop a Girls on the Run group in her
community. Through her volunteer work with GOTR, Suzie received a George Award, which
recognizes people who develop projects that benefit their local community.
Upon high school graduation Suzie enlisted in the Air Force where she became an Air Traffic
Controller. It was there that she met the love of her life, Michael Read. She embraced his
extended family, expanding her circle of support by 7 more siblings! Mike and Suzie added two
sons of their own, Kenny and Colin, to complete their family. They shared a love of the
outdoors, camping often, taking in the beauty of nature, paddle boarding and sailing with their
sons.
As she matured, Suzie continued to assert her independence becoming a strong, self-assured
woman, supervising others in the workplace. Upon leaving the Air Force, Suzie continued her
work as an Air Traffic Controller, a job which brought her gratification and a sense of fulfillment.
A leader at work, balanced by her down-to-earth spirit grounded in family, she was an
inspiration to her nieces and nephews. Suzie always made life fun, playing games, joking
around, and exploring with them.
In 1998, Suzie started her journey as a Christ follower. She grew in that journey desiring that
His light and love would shine through her life in whatever she was doing. The last few years
the focus of her relationship with Him was obedience and surrender. In hindsight she saw how
God was preparing her for her final race. Along with her extended families, Mike and her
church community became a wellspring of strength as they cared for her on her final journey
toward heaven.
Suzie was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy Ellen (Ward) Hurd; her sister, Kathryn
Dianne Millen; and her nephew, Matthew Allen. She is survived by her husband, Michael Read;
her sons, Kenny and Colin; her father and stepmother, Robert Edward and Betty Hurd; siblings,
Dennis, Sharon (Wilson), Robert and Gary Hurd; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She
will be missed; but her strength, faithful love, and the image of her sweet, dimpled smile, will be
remembered by those whose lives she impacted.
her Lord and savior on March 23, 2020, after suffering from Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker
(GSS), a debilitating disease which finally took its toll on her body. She was the third girl and
youngest of six children born to Robert Edward and Peggy Ellen (Ward) Hurd, the perfect
puzzle piece to round out the Hurd family.
Suzie, as she was affectionately known, spent her childhood years enjoying road-trip family
vacations to various campgrounds and US landmarks. As the youngest child, she wanted to be
independent like her older siblings, often declaring “I do it myself!” while climbing rocks on
hiking trips. Being the youngest also fueled a spirit of competition which led to her athletic drive.
In her youth, Suzie played softball and later took up running, qualifying for and finishing the
Boston Marathon in 2012! She used her love of running to inspire young girls to believe in
themselves and achieve their potential by helping develop a Girls on the Run group in her
community. Through her volunteer work with GOTR, Suzie received a George Award, which
recognizes people who develop projects that benefit their local community.
Upon high school graduation Suzie enlisted in the Air Force where she became an Air Traffic
Controller. It was there that she met the love of her life, Michael Read. She embraced his
extended family, expanding her circle of support by 7 more siblings! Mike and Suzie added two
sons of their own, Kenny and Colin, to complete their family. They shared a love of the
outdoors, camping often, taking in the beauty of nature, paddle boarding and sailing with their
sons.
As she matured, Suzie continued to assert her independence becoming a strong, self-assured
woman, supervising others in the workplace. Upon leaving the Air Force, Suzie continued her
work as an Air Traffic Controller, a job which brought her gratification and a sense of fulfillment.
A leader at work, balanced by her down-to-earth spirit grounded in family, she was an
inspiration to her nieces and nephews. Suzie always made life fun, playing games, joking
around, and exploring with them.
In 1998, Suzie started her journey as a Christ follower. She grew in that journey desiring that
His light and love would shine through her life in whatever she was doing. The last few years
the focus of her relationship with Him was obedience and surrender. In hindsight she saw how
God was preparing her for her final race. Along with her extended families, Mike and her
church community became a wellspring of strength as they cared for her on her final journey
toward heaven.
Suzie was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy Ellen (Ward) Hurd; her sister, Kathryn
Dianne Millen; and her nephew, Matthew Allen. She is survived by her husband, Michael Read;
her sons, Kenny and Colin; her father and stepmother, Robert Edward and Betty Hurd; siblings,
Dennis, Sharon (Wilson), Robert and Gary Hurd; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She
will be missed; but her strength, faithful love, and the image of her sweet, dimpled smile, will be
remembered by those whose lives she impacted.