Suzy Que (Zilch) Pelton, age 68 of Kentwood, passed away peacefully at home after battling several illnesses on Sunday, August 16th, 2026. Suzy was born on May 30th, 1958 in Frankfort, MI to Rudolph (Bud) Zilch and Peggy (Banktson) Zilch. Raised in Perry, MI, attended Perry High School and graduated in 1977. 

She met her husband Thomas (Tom) Pelton on a blind date and married 6 months later. Suzy worked several jobs throughout her adult life. Her favorite thing she and Tom loved to do together was volunteer their time for more than a decade at John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids. She was honored as volunteer of the year during this period. Tom and Suzy had a love for the Detroit Tigers. Her favorite flower was the sunflower. It always made her smile. Suzy was an inspiration to all of us on how to handle some difficult medical situations with a good spirit and sense of humor. We would hope to be half as brave as her in the end. Kitty will miss her almost daily calls checking up on each other. 

Suzy is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years, Tom; brother John (Kathy Lane) Zilch of Hartland, MI; sister Kitty (Kevin) Smith of Lakeview, MI; sister-in-law Susan Zilch Keyes of Hopkinsville, KY; brother-in-law Dale (Sandy) Pelton of Wayland, MI; numerous nieces and nephews along with great nieces and nephews and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Bud (1985) and Peg (2000), her brother Jay Zilch (2007) and in-laws Richard (1988) and Beryl (1988) Pelton; brother-in-law Doug Pelton (2024). 

We would like to thank the special people who have helped Suzy and Tom at the end of her life long journey, Joclyn and Allison of Primary Home Care along with Faith Hospice of Grand Rapids, friends Gayle Bell and Errol Flynn of Manurewa, New Zealand. In lieu of flowers, donations to the John Ball Park Zoo at 1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504, in loving memory of Suzy Pelton. A Celebration of Suzy's Life will be held in late Spring in Lakeview, MI at Kevin and Kitty's home. Date to be announced. 

She will be watching over us! We love and miss you Suzy but will reunite with you down the road!