Sue Ellen (Woodard) Gross

Sue Ellen (Woodard) Gross, age 82, of Coopersville, Michigan passed away of heart failure on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

She was born November 13, 1943, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Paul and Zelpha Woodard where she graduated from Coopersville High School. She subsequently and briefly attended Ferris Institute (now Ferris State University). She later met and fell in love with Michael Lem Gross to whom she married after an exciting and brief courtship. As part of Sue’s dream of becoming a Mother, they immediately started a family before his return to Vietnam where he courageously served his country as a Marine and she honorably served on the home front. Once he returned they and their young son moved to Hawaii where the family grew adding a gorgeous daughter. Once her husband’s service with the Marine Corps ended she once again faithfully followed him home to Wyoming, Michigan where Sue gave birth to their third and final child, another daughter. After retirement, she and Michael moved to Coopersville, and moved into the house where they first met.

An ever devoted mother, Sue was actively involved with her children's after school activities – rooting them on every step of the way. She was involved with her church. She enjoyed socializing with her friends and neighbors. She loved to gather for family picnics and reunions. Sue always looked at everyone with a bright and open heart; sitting and visiting with them. Her hobbies included knitting and crocheting, a gift that she passed onto one of her daughters and one of her granddaughters. Another of her favorite past times was admiring her peonies in the flower gardens that surrounded her home. She enjoyed puzzles, word games and Sudoku. She made time for daily bible readings and visits from her pastor, both of which brought her joy and comfort.

Sue Ellen was preceded in death by her faithful husband Michael. They were married for nearly 35 years. Her father Paul Woodard, mother, Zelpha Benefiel, and step father Warren Benefiel, parent-in-laws, Lem and Adda Gross; sister-in-law, Cynthia (Tom) Caldwell; brother-in-law, Vernon (Valeree) Gross also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her sister Nancy (Robert) Benefiel of Coopersville Michigan, brother James (Thuy) Woodard of Lansing Michigan; and her three fabulous children and their spouses, James Patrick (Lisa) Gross, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Christina Leilani (Rodney C) Lloyd, of Coopersville, Michigan, Amy Sue (Scott) Porter, of Covington Tennessee; her six beautiful grandchildren three of which are married, Morgan Amelia (Jake) Emelander, James Patrick (Felix) Gross, Jr., Parker Douglas (Nia) Gross, Emily Rachelle Porter, Dylan Porter and Gerrod Michael Gross; three sweet great grandchildren, Mayven and Wesley Emelander, PJ Gross; and loads of loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place in November of 2026 in Coopersville, Michigan. Condolences for the family may be left on Sue’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Throop Funeral Home

Coopersville, 616-837-8161