Rebecca "Sue" Reaker

Rebecca “Sue” Reaker, age 77, of Bremen, Indiana, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on March 26, 2025, unexpectedly dying in her sleep. Born on March 2, 1948, Sue’s life was a beautiful and resilient story—marked by grit, grace, and an unshakable devotion to those she loved. She overcame challenges that would have stopped many, rising time and again with quiet strength and fierce love. Sue became a mother at a young age. Though she didn’t finish high school in the traditional sense, she never let that define her future. Instead, she rose—determined to create a better life for herself and her children. While working long hours in physically demanding jobs, she fought through both physical and emotional hardships with unwavering determination. In her 30s, she earned her GED and then—against all odds—her nursing degree, launching a new chapter as a caregiver and healer. For more than two decades, she served faithfully as a nurse in various healthcare organizations. Her patients were blessed by her skilled hands and even more by her tender heart. Sue was beloved by all who knew her. She had an extraordinary gift for caring—for noticing when someone was in need and showing up without fanfare or expectation. Her caregiving extended far beyond the hospital room; it touched her extended family, neighbors, and church community. Alongside her late husband, John Reaker, Sue quietly helped countless people in need, offering support, shelter, and unshakable kindness. But more than anything, Sue delighted in being a mother and grandmother. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Whether in the grocery line or at church, she couldn’t help but talk about them, beam about their accomplishments, or share a story that reflected her immense pride and love. She had a deep and abiding joy in her family—one that everyone around her felt. Nothing lit her face with more pride or joy than sharing stories about her beloved family. Sue also held a deep affection for her hometowns of Nappanee and Bremen. She found purpose and connection in her church community and nurtured a wide circle of friends in Bremen, Nappanee, Elkhart, and later in the Florida retirement community she and John joined during their golden years. Sue is survived by her children, Dr. Tod (Ellen) Stillson of Plymouth, IN, and Tia (Joe) Bennett of Noblesville, IN. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to John (Cheyenne) Stillson, Jessica (Garrick) Nate, Caleb Stillson, Hannah Stillson, and Sara Stillson, as well as Amy (Cameron) Murray, Aaron (Liz) Bennett, Ann Bennett, and Andrew Bennett. She loved her new title of Great Grandma to Wilder Stillson and was so happy anticipating another Great Grandbaby soon. Her love and legacy will live on in each of their lives. She is also survived by extended family members, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who knew her as a woman of deep faith, enduring loyalty, and boundless kindness. Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, John Reaker, who passed away on November 1, 2023. Their marriage, begun on October 4, 1969, was a true partnership marked by mutual sacrifice, laughter, shared dreams, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. Together, they extended their home and hearts to countless extended family members and neighbors in need—living out a life of service with humility and love. Her life was a bright light—unselfish, tenacious, faith-filled, and overflowing with love. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of perseverance, compassion, and fierce devotion to family will live on in all who were blessed to know her. Sue’s memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm, Sunday, April 6, 2025 in Bremen Church of the Brethren, 921 Woodies Lane, Bremen, Indiana 46506.  Friends may visit with the family from 2:00-4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions to be made to Bremen Dollars for Scholars (on memo line designate Jane Stillson or Dale Reaker) P.O. Box 144, Bremen, IN 46506 or the Bremen Church of the Brethren, 921 Woodies Ln, Bremen, IN 46506.