Suzy, nee Ruester, Hake, 46, of Freeport, IL; was born on July 13, 1969 in Canton, IL; passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2015 in Lanark, IL.
Suzy was a hospice social worker. She loved her job and greatly enjoyed comforting and helping the elderly. She was a member of Park Hills Evangelical Church in Freeport, IL. Suzy loved to read and travel. She was an avid believer in natural medicine and homeopathic remedies. Most of all Suzy loved her daughters and her entire family.
She is survived by her three daughters – Alix (Nate) Birkner of Dayton, TN; Hannah Hake of Freeport, IL; Abbi Hake of Freeport, IL; Her mother and step-father – Mary Lu (Richard) Johnson of Marissa, IL. Her father – Michael Ruester of Belleville, IL. One brother – Joey (Suzy) Ruester of Marissa, IL. Mother-in-law – Susan Hake of Signal Mountain, TN. Also survived by aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Gaffey Hospice.
Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.
Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Services: Memorial services will be held at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Mark Balmer officiating.
Additional Services: A second memorial service will be held at Park Hills Evangelical Church in Freeport, IL on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
All of you have my deepest sympathy. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort and healing during this difficult time.
Posted by: Paula Meyer Dec 07, 2015
Our deepest sympathies to Suzy loved ones…
Posted by: Steve and MaryAnn Dorf – Marissa, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
Our deepest sympathies to Suzy’s loved ones…
Posted by: Steve and MaryAnn Dorf – Marissa, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
You will be sadly missed
Suzy was a childhood friend of mine and we spent many days together . My thoughts and prayers go out to her family .
Posted by: Dee Ann Leonard Wiborg – godley, IL – friend Dec 07, 2015
So sorry to hear this sad sad news. Both families are in our prayers.
Posted by: Bev and Stan Lewis – Marissa, IL – friends Dec 07, 2015
Suzy was a force of nature with a smile and a personality bigger than life itself. I had the privilege of growing up next door to her. As a girl she was the tree climbin-est, tag winning-est tom girl. She has always been as beautiful as she is loyal. She would stand up for me when I was picked on. She always championed people and causes she believed in. She was blunt and out spoken even as a young girl.
Posted by: Jeff Babcock – Belleville, IL – family friend/next door neighbor Dec 07, 2015
Wayne and I send our deepest sorrows.. May you all find peace in the memory and love she had for her family.. Prayers always… God bless all
Posted by: Wayne and Renee Wilson – Marissa, IL – Friend of family Dec 07, 2015
There are no words that can be said that will console losing a loved one, especially a parent losing a child, or a child losing their Mother. I will pray to God for your healing and comfort, and just remember how much she was loved, and left her mark in this world. Praying.
Posted by: Joan Voges – Marissa, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
God bless those she loved most. I will pray for her. Eternal rest grant unto her, O LORD, and may Perpetual Light shine upon her.RIP. May God grant her family the peace that only He can give.
Posted by: Cathy Flowers – Annandale, VA Dec 07, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Suzys girls and family. Her smile will be forever be engraved in my memory. I will cherish the memories I have of her and her family. May the love of family and friends help comfort you in the day ahead. Xoxo
Posted by: Amie Schelling – Leaf River, IL Dec 07, 2015
God bless her soul and I hope she is at peace. I pray her girls are blessed with the strength to continue and with her memory.
I wish I was in town for the memorial.
Posted by: Terry Gamblin – Freeburg, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
My heart breaks for your family .. Mary Lou , it’s so hard to lose a child.. I will be praying for you and your family. I have many good memories of Susie. Such a beautiful woman inside and out. Sending love and support to you. Joni Hall
Posted by: Joni Hall – St Libory, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
I did not know Suzy but know her kind of relationship. I am praying for her children to find some comfort in memories. God Bless!
Posted by: Colleen Mills – Freeport, IL – not related Dec 07, 2015
Suzy was younger than I was but living in a small town everyone knows everyone and this small child had a burst of energy like no other…. I knew her mom and her brother who redid part of our house.. You all are in my prayers especially you girls…. may you take your mom’s spunk and spirit and show the world that you are stronger than this… My prayers with all of Suzy’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Posted by: Michelle Edmonds – Troy, MO Dec 07, 2015
Our loving sympathy and empathy to Suzy’s family and close friends. This is truly hard to fathom. My mind will not shut down. My arms are around each person mourning this great loss. Gaffey Home Nursing and Hospice shares your loss. Her life touched us and our patient’s lives far more than imaginable. Her beauty was far more than skin deep. Praying for God’s grace to fill every void. Thoughts and prayers as this journey unfolds. Sara Shenefelt, Gaffey Home Nursing & Hospice
Posted by: Sara Shenefelt – polo, IL – coworker Dec 07, 2015
Suzy was an employee of mine years ago and we also quickly became friends. She was so upbeat and cheery every day. That smile was amazing and we saw it often. She was missed when she left us to help with the family business. I’m just shocked by all of this and know that heaven just received another wonderful angel. Hugs to all of you kids and her family.
Posted by: Bev Scheider – Freeport, IL – former employer/friend Dec 07, 2015
She was such a warm friendly vibrant person and so loving. I will never forget her smile. My sincere condolences to the family and may she rest in peace. Good bye beautiful lady till we meet again on the other side.
Posted by: Janet Verbal – Murphysboro, IL – friend Dec 07, 2015
Coming from a small town has its good parts and bad. But mostly the good because you get to know the people you grow up with. Suzy you had a smile that was very bright and your spirit was just as infectious to the world. May you dance with the angels my friend. To your beautiful daughters, may God wrap his arms around you to carry you through this time of sorrow. May your spirit be just a free as your beautiful mothers. My heart is heavy for you all, my prayers will continue.
Posted by: Natalie Guebert – Evansville, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
I spent many days and nights with Suzy growing up in Marissa. I have nothing but fond memories. Playing softball, riding bikes, going to the park etc. Most of my childhood memories contain Suzy in some way. There were several of us girls that seemed to be inseparable at one point or another. Suzy was always strong willed and a leader of sorts. My heart goes out to her girls and the rest of her family.
Posted by: Kim (Perry) Parker – Spring, TX – childhood friend Dec 07, 2015
My deepest sympathy to her family and espically her children. Your Mother was a special woman whom I loved like a sister. I hope to see her again one day.
Posted by: Susan Pitts ( McCloskey) – lenzburg, IL – good friend Dec 07, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to all Suzy’s family. She was a kind, beautiful, loving person. I remember when her girls were little she had them at Krape Park playing on Kid’s Castle. She said she loved them so much she wanted to “protect them from ever feeling pain”.. Over the years since I watched her always love and parent her daughters to grow into beautiful human beings that enjoyed life. She will be missed by all she came in touch with. I pray for God’s loving arms to comfort her family and happy memories.
Posted by: Mary Luecke – Freeport, IL Dec 07, 2015
I met Suzy only twice and she was a very pleasant and fun person. MaryLu is like a sister to me and my heart breaks for all. God Bless.
Posted by: Dennis Brasel – Muskogee, OK – friend Dec 07, 2015
Our thoughts prayers and love are with you
Posted by: Diane and Jeff Hoak – Lanark, IL – Lanark Neighbors Dec 07, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Suzi well, but of what I did know, she was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Posted by: Wendy Kindberg – Lanark, IL Dec 07, 2015
Our deepest sympathies to your families. Suzy was so vibrant and had such a sunny personality, that she brightened your day just by being a part of it. Heaven has a new angel tonight. May God embrace you with healing arms and shelter you from the storms that lie ahead. I pray for you all to find peace and hope in these dark hours of grief. Prayers and blessings to you all.
Posted by: Kristina Wise and Ashley Babler – Kissimmee, FL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
I am so sorry for the loss of a beautiful soul. I had a great respect for Suzy & she helped me out in a time of great need in my life. I’m sure she will be greatly missed, beautiful souls always are. Rest peacefully Suzy….
Posted by: Jacinda – Freeport, IL – Past tenant Dec 07, 2015
Sorry for your loss
Posted by: Dawn Fitzgerald – Polo, IL – none Dec 07, 2015
So sorry for the senseless loss of Suzy. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that heaven is home and she is rejoicing with the saints who have gone before her.
Posted by: Mike Lischer – Clearwater, FL – Marissa class of 85 Dec 07, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Posted by: Cris and Lyssa Floming – Lanark, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for your loss of such a beautiful young lady.
Posted by: Kim & Lennie Sinn family – Lenzburg, IL – Friend of family Dec 07, 2015
There are no words that can express how sorry I am to hear about Suzy’s death. May you find comfort in her memories and knowing that an angel is watching over you. Keeping the family in my daily prayers.
Posted by: Dawn wilfon – Marissa, IL – Childhood fruend Dec 07, 2015
Our deepest condolences. May God bless her soul and beautiful spirit.
Posted by: Roger and Nicole Sdao – Freeport, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
She brought sunshine into the room every time she visited my mom. Was a great encouragement to my sister and I through the hospice time with my mom. She will be missed and our prayers are with you all at this time.
Posted by: Eric Mason – Wheaton, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Suzy was a special lady. We met her through Tri-County Christian school where our daughter Lilly was a classmate with Abbi. Suzy always had a radiant smile and a sweet personality. Our prayers are with you all.
Posted by: Scott and Lorraine Blumer – Monroe, WI Dec 07, 2015
Suzy is such a sweet and compassionate person. She had the gift of listening and caring. She made it easy to talk to her about things that are not always easy to talk about, and when she left after visiting us I always felt better. My prayers are with you all, especially her girls. You can be so very proud of her she helped so many of us.
Posted by: Eris Lightner – Dixon, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
Suzy was a vivacious, wonderful woman and mother. I can’t even begin express how sorry we are for what has happened.
Posted by: Hilary Hake and family – IL – Cousin Dec 07, 2015
Our sincere thoughts and prayers to your family. When you girls were little your Mom and Dad worked on our Barn at Seward IL. We had fun times.
Posted by: Roy and Ruth Rummel – Winnebago, IL – Friend Dec 07, 2015
Suzy. You will always be beautiful light. I always admired you. You held yourself so well in all areas of life. I remember when you were pregnant with Hannah. So PROUD!! And funny! Your sense of humor was one of a kind. And then when you pregnant with Abigail. Precious. You laughed when I met Alix when she was younger. We rode bikes & you got such a kick out of it. Aww, Suzy. I wish I could see your face!
Posted by: Kendra Ballesteros – Godfrey, IL – Cousin through marriage Dec 07, 2015
We are so sorry to here about your mom she was a wonderful lady.
Posted by: Steve and Tawney Beck – Freeport, IL – Friends Dec 07, 2015
Hannah and Abby, I’m so sorry for your loss. I really liked your mom. Please know that I am praying for you both.
Posted by: Mrs. Dorene Werntz – Nampa, ID – Friend and former teacher Dec 07, 2015
Leave a condolence or a memory.
Posted by: Edwina “Winnie” Hearell Earl – Ogden, UT – Lived in Marissa and knew family Dec 07, 2015
My deepest sympathy to everyone. May you all find some peace, knowing she is in Heaven watching over you. She was a beautiful person inside & out
Posted by: Dana Pizzolato – Freeport, IL – Past coworker Dec 07, 2015
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of Suzy. She was taken from everyone way too soon, but shw will always be near and in the hearts of those that loved her.
Posted by: Winnie Earl – Ogden, UT – Knew the families. Dec 07, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family today and always. May her daughter’s condo,he to live on in their beautiful mothers vibrant,vivacious, infectious spirit. Girls, your momma was full of life and love for all! I had the pleasure and great memory making with her as we all grew up together. Her smile never stopped, not even when she was upset I will truly miss her in all aspects of life. God bless you all. Rest peacefully Suzy. Until we me again
Posted by: Cathy(Roach)Light – Marissa, IL – Childhood friend Dec 07, 2015
Words cannot express how sorry I am for Suzy’s family! She is safe in the arms of Jesus and looking over her daughters, her Mom, brother and others! Prayers for you all.
Posted by: Pamela Sinn Hargan – Springfield, IL – Same Hometown Dec 07, 2015
Sending prayer and love to the family….I didn’t know them personally but il be thinking of them during this time may God comfort their hearts and heal the hurt they are going through.
Posted by: Mike and Heather reed – Lanark, IL – neighbor Dec 07, 2015
My heartfelt condolence to all of Suzy’s family. Suzy is such a sweet and compassionate person. She had a great gift of caring for everyone she met. She made a difficult time easier. Her smile will be engraved in all who knew this wonderful lady.
Posted by: Bonnie Boland – Freeport, IL – firend Dec 08, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic passing of Suzy. My prayers are with the family. May God surround you with his love and peace.
Posted by: Darla Lenglet – Friend of family Dec 08, 2015
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Suzy. I hope that your daughter’s and your family will find peace.
Posted by: Kim Wagner (Neal) – Okawville, IL – Classmate Dec 08, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to all of Suzy’s family and friends. May God hold you in His Loving Arms today, tomorrow and the days to follow. We will hold you in our prayers. Ken and Sherri (Degen) Wildt
Posted by: Sherri and Ken Wildt – FL – Friend Dec 08, 2015
uzy was an amazing woman, and will be and is already greatly missed. Suzy always had a smile on her face, and a happy word or comforting thought for all she met. She was our hospice social worker, who loved what she did, and it showed in her actions, thoughts and deeds. Many families have reached out with words of her kindness, compassion, and love showed to them during their worst hours. She is an angel now, and will live in our hearts forever.
Posted by: Kim Gaffey – Sterling, IL – Co-worker Dec 08, 2015
Mary Lou, Joey, Moe and families – I simply cannot express the feelings that I have for your loss. Prayers for all of the families. If mom were able, she would send her love to both families. Connie
Posted by: Connie Calvert Cominsky – SAINT LOUIS, MO Dec 08, 2015
I have very fond memories of Suzy..It’s a shame to lose someone like her at such an early age.My heart goes out to all family members at their time of a terrible loss
Posted by: Laura Kane – O’fallon, IL – Friend Dec 08, 2015
Words can not express the sorrow I feel from the lose of a great person like Suzy, she was a very caring and compassionate person. My prayers go out to her girls. God gained a great angel she will be missed my many.
Posted by: Kathy Bowman – Sterling, IL Dec 08, 2015
My heart goes out to you all at this tragic time. Suzy was someone to look up to, inspired everyone she met with her love for life. She loved to laugh. She was one of the most genuine people I ever knew, a very special person who touched the lives of everyone who met her. She was a very dear friend and will be truly missed. My life was better by knowing her. My heart breaks for her family, and you will all be in my prayers.
Posted by: Amanda – Rockford, IL, IL – Friend, co-worker Dec 08, 2015
Suzy was a Beautiful Person.It is a shame she is gone..My thoughts are of Suzy and her family…I am so saddened for the Loss.. May Love and Peace be with You.
Posted by: James Hermanns ( Hemp ) – Waterloo, IL Dec 08, 2015
So sorry for your loss you have my deepest sympathy
Posted by: Brenda Killen (Ward-Cathcart) – Marissa, IL Dec 08, 2015
Mary Lou, Joey and all family, We are so sorry for your loss. God be with you and yours in your lives. You are in our prayers…Steve
Posted by: Steve and Brenda Larson Dec 08, 2015
I grew up with Suzy. She was full of life and had the prettiest eyes! My thoughts and prayers are with the families. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Posted by: Renee (Tadlock) Whitener – St. Louis, MO – Classmate Dec 08, 2015
So sorry to hear the news, I will keep you all in my prays. Suzy always had such a sweet personality. Her smile was always very warm. She will be missed. Valerie Fulton Metcalf
Posted by: A friend Dec 08, 2015
Our deepest condolences to both families.
Much love & hugs to Mary Lou Johnson & Susan Hake.
You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Posted by: Brian & Lea (Martin) Kuriger & family – Staunton, IL – friend of both families Dec 08, 2015
Sorry for your loss will be keeping the family in prayers
Posted by: Beth Allen Jones – Benton, IL Dec 09, 2015
My heart goes out to Mary Lu, Richard, Joey and especially Suzy’s girls. I was so saddened to here about the passing of Suzy. I have so many fond memories of Suzy in my childhood from swimming at the Rec Area, our Girl Scout trip to the world fair, Colorado and many more. She was a leader and a good friend, and even though I hadn’t spoke to her in quite some time I always loved her. I hope both
Posted by: Chris Asher (McDaniel) – Bernie, MO – Childhood friend Dec 09, 2015
So very saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Suzy. The sweet memories of her will live with us forever. She warmed the hearts of those she met immediately. Our deepest sympathy, prayers for peace,much love and comfort go to her family. She will truly be missed.
Posted by: Deb and Don Tadlock family – Sparta, IL Dec 09, 2015
On behalf of the Mulholland family..we would like to express how sorry we are to hear of this senseless loss. Such terrible pain for both families… I pray you allow the Lord to comfort you
Posted by: Kelli (Mulholland) Pierce Dec 09, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Deeny Siefken – co-worker Dec 09, 2015
preys to the family
Posted by: Matt – freeport, IL – friend Dec 09, 2015
I will always remember that Susie gave very good hugs and the one I will remember most was when she said we are family. I’m so happy to know this beautiful person and was able to spend time with her on our children’s special day. She was a breath of fresh air and made everyone smile. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. suzy loved her daughters and my son very much and was taken away too soon. Look forward to my hug when we meet in heaven my dear friend.
Posted by: Marilyn Summers – Murphysboro – Alix’s mother in law Dec 09, 2015
I’m so sorry for your loss.. Prayers and much love to the family
Posted by: Tonya Combs – Dallas, TX – Friend Dec 09, 2015
You are all in our thoughts and prayers, may god help you get through this difficult time
Posted by: Rosemary & Jerry Phillips – Marissa/New Athens, IL Dec 10, 2015
She was the best friend I ever had.
Posted by: Lisa Haddox – Washington, MO – friend Dec 12, 2015
Abby & Hannah… my heart bleeds… & my soul aches. .. I tear & hurt with just the thought. .. was more than amazing. ..beautiful in every way… she was both tender and tough, loving yet stern… she was more than wonderful. .. she was Suzy… as saddness fills my heart, I am also overjoyed. …not fire what has gained but for what she has left behind…… 2 incredible daughters. You are her legacy. .. both of you… her laughter,
Posted by: Brian Fox – Freeport, IL – Friend of family Dec 12, 2015
My condolences. She was a beautiful person inside and out. A great loss to all that knew her & to the world. ❤
Posted by: Kymberly Miller – Davenport, IA – She was a hospice person rep. Dec 17, 2015
My deepest condolences to all of Suzy’s family. She was such a special person. She was the social services director at the nursing home where my 96 year old mother was admitted. She was so kind, so unpatronizing to my mother, and she adored her in return. I’m so grateful for the honest, wonderful care she gave my mother while she was employed there. A real loss.
Posted by: Jeanette Miller Dec 26, 2015
My prayers are with the family and loved ones. My daughter Holly was a classmate of Alex K-2. Mary Lou I will have you in my prayers.
Posted by: Christine Ivy Gale – New Athens, IL Jan 23, 2016
Although two years have passed since Suzy’s untimely death, the wonderful memories of how caring she was towards my mother in the nursing home are just as clear as the day I met her in 2012. She was exceptional in her work and her concern. A great loss to the world.
Posted by: Jeanette Miller – Acquaintance Dec 05, 2017