Sue Ann Williams Stipe

Edmonds, Washington – Sue Ann Williams Stipe, age 88, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 20, 1937, in Havre, Montana, Sue was the daughter of Rilling and Doris Williams. She spent her childhood in Great Falls, Montana, before attending the University of Montana. It was there that fate stepped in and she met the love of her life, Alfred Stipe. The two shared a beautiful, enduring marriage of 65 years, building a life rooted in love, laughter, and mutual devotion.

Sue embraced life in a military family and loved the adventure of raising her children all over the world. No matter what city, country, or military base they ended up in, she was the rock of the family—always there to support Al and create a warm, stable, and loving home for her children.

Later in life, Sue dedicated her professional career to helping others, working for many years as a compassionate family counselor. Her entrepreneurial and caring spirit led her to establish her own successful private practice in Federal Way, Washington, where she guided countless individuals and families through life's challenges.

Sue’s spirit was evident in her passion for fitness, most notably in her lifelong love for running. Sue was always training for her next race, running everything from local 5ks to successfully completing the prestigious Boston Marathon numerous times. Her dedication was contagious, and she inspired countless family members and friends to lace up their shoes and start their own running journeys.

She was a devoted wife to Alfred, a deeply loving mother, and a cherished grandmother. Her family (human and animal) was her greatest pride and joy, and she took immense pleasure in watching her children and grandchildren build their own lives, always offering sound advice, a trusting ear, and willingness to adventure along the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rilling and Doris Williams and her son-in-law Tim Axtelle.

Her beautiful memory and legacy of love live on through her surviving family, including her beloved husband, Alfred Stipe; her loving daughters, Tana Axtelle and Gretchen McGill (Troy), her son John David Stipe and her adored grandchildren, Will Henson (Maddy), Alex Henson, Hannah Axtelle, Caroleve Axtelle, Margaret McGill, Megan McGill, and Ryder Ambrose. She is also survived by her siblings, David Williams (Sharon), John Williams (Jeanne) as well as a wide circle of loved nieces, nephews, colleagues, and lifelong friends whose lives she touched and inspired.

A celebration of Sue‘s life will be held at a later date.