Susan Noble

Susan Kay (Anderson) Noble, of Vicksburg, MI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the remarkable age of 98. She was born on November 1, 1927, in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Leo and Vivian (Tinney) Anderson.

During her time at Western Michigan University, Susan met the love of her life, Swift Noble. They married in 1950 and began a lifetime of adventure. When Swift was stationed in Texas with the United States Army, Susan, determined and resourceful, taught herself to drive just so she could visit him. This spirit of independence, devotion, and courage would define the rest of her life.

Together, Susan and Swift traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, nurturing a shared love of exploration and culture. Susan spent many years as a Physical Education teacher at Vicksburg Junior High, where she encouraged countless students to discover the joy of movement and healthy living.

Beginning in the early 1980s, Susan spent her summers in Bay View, MI—a place she cherished deeply. There, she and Swift ran The Florence, a welcoming bed and breakfast they operated side by side. Bay View remained her sanctuary. After Swift’s passing in 1988, she sold the inn and purchased a cottage, continuing to spend her summers in the community she loved so dearly.

Following Swift’s death, Susan embraced new opportunities to learn and grow. She enrolled in art classes at Kalamazoo Community College, discovering talents that quickly became passions. She filled her days with creativity, music, and service—continuing her art studies, singing with the Village Singers, and volunteering throughout the community.

Susan was a dedicated member of the Methodist churches in both Vicksburg and Bay View, where she sang joyfully in the choir. Faith, fellowship, and music were threads woven throughout her long and meaningful life.

Above all else, Susan cherished her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and they adored her in return. One of her fondest traditions was taking many of them to the Don K Dude Ranch in Colorado, where together they learned to ride horses, do ranch work, and take part in rodeo activities—memories that will be treasured for generations.

Susan lived her life generously, giving freely to numerous charitable organizations and always striving to share her blessings with others. She led a good, full life—rich with purpose, kindness, adventure, and love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Swift Noble; her parents; and her siblings, Beverly and Peter.

She is survived by her children: Sue Anne (Noble) Hale, Andy (Chris) Noble, and Mary Kay (John) Swartz; her grandchildren: Rob (Michell) Noble, Greg Noble, Jessica (John) Cooley, Scott (Trisha) Hale, Matthew (Nicky) Hale, Jacob (Carley) Swartz, and Molly (Tom) Werth; as well as several great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Susan will be laid to rest with Swift at Vicksburg Cemetery during a private ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026, with details to be announced.