The Shemwell Family

Sandra Sue Hoesel Obituary and Family Listing Sandra Sue (Hoesel) Middleton, Sandy, passed away on July 7, 2023. Sandy was born to Evert and Sadie (Carter) Hoesel on Feb. 13, 1936, in Parkview Hospital, Plymouth, Indiana, and she resided in Culver most of her life. It was in elementary school that she met the love of her life, John Arthur Middleton, and their love story began. They were united in marriage at Grace United Church of Christ in 1955 and were seldom seen without one another for the rest of their lives. Sandy chose to follow in her father's footsteps and become a teacher. Her path was lengthy because she gave birth to her two daughters, Susan Elizabeth and Kelly Lynn, along the way. She pursued her degree in education by attending Ball State University, Purdue University, received her B.S. from Otterbien University, and a M.S. from IUSB. Her choice of vocation came from her love of children and wanting to have an impact on their futures. She taught third grade at Culver Elementary for 28 years. Many Culverites remembered her as their favorite teacher and continued to send cards and letters of gratitude long after she retired in 1994. Sandy was a gifted musician blessed with a beautiful singing voice and an amazing talent for playing the piano. Her talent on the piano enabled her to provide the accompaniment for hundreds of elementary band and solo students, sacrificing hours after school practicing with each of them. Music was her passion and it gave her great joy to pass it on. Sandy and John spent their lives side by side building a haven of love and happiness for their family. They built their dream house in 1969 and spent 50 wonderful years with their children, grandchildren, and many pets. They shared their love for animals, gardening, watching wildlife, and creating family memories, not to mention their passion for Purdue University. Sandy's number one in life was her family, rarely missing one of her daughters' concerts or events and later following her grandchildren, always cheering them on. She embraced her role as a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother and showered her family with love and laughter every moment she could. There were many moments spent singing around the piano, trips to the garden, baking, being outdoors, reading with and enjoying her grandchildren. She was passionate about her Christian faith and was a lifelong member of Grace Church where she taught Sunday and Bible School, and served on many other committees. She shared her musical talents singing alongside her mother and daughters in the church choir and provided vocal and piano music whenever needed. With John by her side, did landscaping and holiday decorating at the church, made community meals, and delivered Meals on Wheels. She served the community in countless ways visiting the sick and homebound, tutoring children, helping anyone in need, always with a smile on her face. Her dear friend, Essie McKinnis, called her an earth angel, spreading her love and living everyday of her life as a true Christian. Her kindness, unselfishness and loving heart were inspirational to all that knew her. Sandra is survived by her husband of 68 years, John Middleton, daughters: Dr. Susan (Rick) White and Dr. Kelly (Tim) Lynch, grandchildren: Brodie Terpstra, Blair (Katie) Terpstra, Dr. Jonathan (Lauren) Lynch, Allison Lynch, and Dr. Meredith (Jason) Dunn, great grandchildren: Leona and Phillip Terpstra and Ariana and Lillian Lynch. She was preceded in death by her parents, Evert and Sadie Hoesel, brothers: Richard Hoesel and John Hoesel, and son-in-law, Mitchell Dean Terpstra. Funeral services by the Odom Funeral Home, Culver and burial at the Zion Cemetery south of Culver. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/256567168/sandra-sue-middleton