October 13, 1942-September 5, 2026
Epictetus: “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”, is how Sue lived her life. Sue Ellen Drinkhouse Ward, spouse of Rev. Kenneth E. Ward (Retired Elder), of Farmington Hills and Hillman passed away Saturday, September 5, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center – Alpena at the age of 83.
Sue Ellen Drinkhouse was born on October 13, 1942, in Alliance Ohio to the late Ralph and Genevieve (Speakman) Drinkhouse. She attended Columbus Public Schools, Otterbein College and later graduated with her master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. She taught high school math in Ohio and Michigan, being proud of her accomplishment of teaching AP calculus with many students each year scoring out of college courses. On December 26, 1965, she married Kenneth Ward. Since retirement she has enjoyed residing in both Michigan and Las Cruces New Mexico. Sue, as an avid reader, outdoor enthusiast and environmentalist, loved holding dinner parties, enjoyed camping and traveling to 48 countries. She eagerly entered cultures and met different people in Liberia, Africa, during civil war, where she did missionary work teaching in a middle school. She was a member of St. Paul UMC, in Las Cruces, NM, enjoyed mission work. Also was a member of Sierra Club, Audubon Society, NM Wilderness Alliance, SW Environmental Center and the United Methodist Women.
Surviving are her husband, Ken; two sons, Erik Ward and Jamie Ward.
The first memorial service will take place at Dearborn: First UMC, 22124 Garrison, Dearborn, MI 48124 on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11 AM. The service will be livestreamed via the Dearborn: First UMC website. The second memorial service will be held at Las Cruces: St. Paul UMC, 225 W. Griggs Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005, on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 1 PM (Mountain Time). Cremation services have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.
She cared deeply about the health and welfare of children. Consider donation in her name to an organization you care about that seeks to improve the life, health, and education of children.
Condolences may be shared online at Bannan Funeral Home.
Last Updated on September 29, 2026