Obituary of Susan Bedell Clokey

Susan Bedell Clokey of Bluffton, South Carolina, formerly of Naples, Florida and Terre Haute, Indiana passed away on May 16, 2023 at the age of 86 with her beloved sons Craig and David at her side. Sue firmly placed family at the center of her life and her example remains in the hearts of all those who loved her – particularly her four grandchildren who embody her strength and thoughtful generosity. An avid jazz fan, she enjoyed the genre for over fifty years and could often be found tapping her feet to the beat at one of a variety of Naples-area jazz venues. She also enjoyed playing and watching tennis, playing bridge and Liverpool, reading, and watching horse racing and UConn basketball.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 19, 1936 to Helen Bigalow Bedell and Jack Hathaway Bedell, Sue grew up in the Cleveland area. A 1954 graduate of Shaker Heights High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1958 from Miami University and her Master of Science Degree in 1974 from Indiana State University. She was active in the communities where she lived belonging to Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, Central Presbyterian Church of Terre Haute Phi Delta Kappa Education Honorary, Indiana State University Women’s Association, Wabash Valley Tennis Club, the International Reading Association, the Coalition for Literacy (G.R.O.W.), the 14th and Chestnut Street Coop, and the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association. She taught elementary school in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Indiana focusing on students with specialized learning needs, retiring in 1993. In addition to her passion for teaching, Sue volunteered at Union Hospital and the local chapter of the American Red Cross and was on the Board of several associations and organizations. She served as the first female president of the Terre Haute Tennis Club, president of her community association in Naples and served the community’s Board for several years in other capacities including the social committee.

Sue is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Diane Clokey of Tolland, Connecticut, and Craig and Renee Clokey of Bluffton, South Carolina. Survivors also include four grandchildren Andrew, Brian, Sara, and Traci, a sister Betty Terhune of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her sister Sally Zenz. In addition to her beloved family, she leaves a legacy of cherished friendships made in the communities where she resided and served.

Sue’s family is grateful for the caregivers who provided support and comfort as she decided to transition to hospice care. Charitable contributions in Sue’s name can be made to a hospice organization in your area. Alternatively, book donations can be made to a local library or school in Sue’s name in memory of her great love of reading and her interest in helping kids learn to read.