Susan Beth Griner

Susan Beth Griner of Traverse City was called Home on Saturday, March 15, 2025. She was born in Grand Rapids on June 16, 1940, the first child of Robert and Marian Stehouwer.

Susan graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1958, then attended NMC where she completed her Associates Degree, and met the love of her life, Jay. She continued her studies at Michigan State University. Susan and Jay were married on November 4, 1961, and together raised their two children, Joni and Steve.

Susan was a long-time member of First Congregational Church, where she faithfully volunteered and enjoyed the fellowship of her church family. For 30 years, Susan played an integral part in the family business, E+J Supply. Susan and Jay loved spending time with family and friends, traveling throughout the United States and abroad, and cruising to several ports of call. For the last 20 years they enjoyed winters spent at their home at Black Diamond Ranch, playing golf and socializing with close friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marian (Austin) Stehouwer; sister, Marcia Grell; and in-laws Burton and Adeline Griner, and Tom Swanson.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Jay Griner; children Joan Griner Licht (Norman) of Traverse City, Steve Griner of Johns Island, South Carolina; grandchildren Allyson Licht, Charlie Licht; brother Bob and sister-in-law Kay Stehouwer; in-laws Jimmie Grell, Patricia Swanson, Jim and Camille Griner; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Susan will be remembered for her welcoming nature, her kindness to others, and her warm smile. Above all, Susan loved being a grandmother and cherished the special memories and love shared with Ally and Charlie.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Heartland Hospice and Orchard Creek skilled nursing, who supported Susan in her final days.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Mission Hill Church (formerly First Congregational Church), 6105 Center Road, Traverse City. Family will welcome visitors one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place in the Garden of Remembrance at MHC. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Susan Stehouwer Griner Scholarship fund at Northwestern Michigan College, or Mission Hill Church of Traverse City.