Carole Sue Van Hook of Bellaire, Texas, and Bella Vista, Arkansas, was born November 12, 1936, and passed away February 24, 2024, at the Gardens of Bellaire. Sue was born in Springfield, Missouri, the daughter of Harry and Irene (Swegart) Huntley. Always outgoing, she grew up participating in church, school, and family activities. Her father said once that if there was a string hanging from the ceiling, Sue could make a speech about it. If there was a party happening, she was in the middle of it. She and her husband, Kenneth Van Hook, owned and ran a Mexican food restaurant called Dos Amigos in Overland Park, Kansas, and she loved bumping into customers around the country as she travelled. Sue also enjoyed playing games of all kinds, especially competitive Bridge in which she achieved Silver Life Master level. When she and Ken retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas, she golfed, played bridge, learned Tai Chi, participated in community theatre, and reveled in spending time with neighborhood friends. A definite Crazy Cat Lady, she had too many cats over the years to name.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Irene Huntley; her brother, Donald Huntley; and her husband, Kenneth Van Hook. She is survived by her children Kenneth Brown (Cathy), Keith Brown (Yelena), and Laurel Andrews Stravers (Rick); and her grandchildren Ryan Andrews (Laura), Evan Andrews (McKenna), Cameron Andrews (Rachel Sarasin), Kristen Brown (Kellen Piro), Kyle Brown (Stephanie), Ava Brown, Liam Brown, and great-grandchildren Rowan Griffing, Elliott Brown and Amelia Brown.
Sue spent the last years of her life in the Memory Care Residence at the Gardens of Bellaire in Bellaire, Texas. Her family wishes to thank the kind and good-humored staff who appreciated Sue’s particular feisty way of being. Her family also thanks the staff of Bluebonnet Hospice for their compassionate care.
A graveside service will be held at a later date in Springfield, Missouri.
Memorials may be directed to Bluebonnet Hospice (bluebonnetpc.com), or a charity of your choice.
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