Sue Putt

As family and friends gather to celebrate the life of Sue Putt, they will agree that she truly understood the secret to a life well lived, never taking a single moment for granted. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement, always uplifting those around her. Her heart of service allowed her to touch so many lives, and she faced every challenge that came her way with unwavering determination. Deeply loved, Sue will be forever missed by those who knew her best.

Born on January 12 of 1952, Sue was the oldest of the Salemka children. She soon became an older sister to her three siblings, Sandy, Joe, and Dan. Growing up in South Bend, Indiana, Sue’s creative spirit began to bloom at a very young age, in the form of everything from art and doodling to knitting, sewing, crochet, and embroidery. Music was one of Sue’s earliest passions. She enjoyed playing piano and singing in the choir. Holidays were often spent with her grandparents in Wisconsin. Even in her younger years, Sue strove for perfection, and she found success in whatever she put her mind to.

The Salemka family relocated to Portage, Michigan, when Sue was in the seventh grade. She attended Portage Northern High School, where she first met her high school sweetheart, Pat Taplin. The two fell in love and were united in marriage on October 16, 1969, then welcomed their firstborn, Michelle, in 1970.

In life, there was nothing more important to Sue than her family. Throughout their 14 years of marriage, she and Pat welcomed three more children, Bill, Steve, and Kristen. She thrived in her role as a mother and was very active in the lives of her children. She made their clothes, Halloween costumes and doll outfits herself. Even when resources were limited, Sue made the most of what they had.

After her divorce, Sue went back to school and earned her diploma. She then went to college and dove-headfirst into her career. Sue started as a bookkeeper and worked her way up the ranks through corporate America. She enjoyed getting into data technologies but eventually struck out on her own to start her own business inspired by her love of Newfoundlands. Her business, “Designs by 2 Paws,” supplied drool bibs, and it was a true testament to her solid work ethic, many talents, and her boundless perseverance.

Sue was blessed to once again find love with the man who would forever hold the key to her heart, Tom Putt. Sue and Tom were married on February 11, 2000. With her marriage to Tom, Sue’s family grew to include two stepchildren, Jeff and Stephanie. Sue and Tom were truly made for each other, and they leaned on each other in good times and bad. Sue was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother as well.

Many will remember Sue for her love of Newfoundlands, her “Newfs.” Over the years, Sue and Tom owned 8 Newfoundlands of their own and helped rescue more than 44 others. They were very involved in shows, obedience training, therapy training, and water rescue, and she loved teaching the dogs all kinds of tricks and dances. Sue often brought the dogs to Bronson Hospital and Cancer Center to comfort those going through difficult times. Recently, she was a dedicated dog mom to her two Newfs, Precious and Howard. When she wasn’t with her family or playing with her dogs, Sue could be found water training or caring for her garden. She and Tom loved taking evening walks with the dogs.

All who were fortunate enough to know and love Sue Putt will certainly agree that she lived each day to the very fullest. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and there was no one who worked harder than she did. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sue exemplified what it meant to love her family and friends unconditionally. Her zest for life was contagious, and her generous spirit made an unforgettable impact within her community. Although she will be greatly missed, Sue leaves behind a priceless legacy.

Sue Putt, at the age of 73, died at her home in Paw Paw. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joe Salemka. Her family included her husband, Tom Putt; 4 children: Michelle (James) Ross, Bill (Tamie) Taplin, Steve (Chellie) Taplin and Kristen Gray (Tom Hawkins); 2 stepchildren: Jeff (Kira) Putt and Stephanie Putt; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings: Sandy (Bill) Olmstead and Dan (Silvia) Salemka; sister-in-law, Pam Putt; and her 2 newfs: Howard and Precious. Cremation has taken place. Celebrate Sue’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to National Newfoundland Rescue. Visit Sue's Youtube channels @sueputt3940 and @designsby2paws.