By David Fleet
Editor
Ortonville —  A long-time village artist and teacher who left an indelible mark on community was selected to provide the drawing for the Ortonville Coloring contest
Sue Howard’s tireless compassion for people who suffer from hunger, coupled with an unrelenting diligence to motivate others was The Citizen of the Year in 2007.
A native of Ohio, Sue along with husband Fred, moved to Ortonville in 1961. She earned a Bachelor’s of Art degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., she landed a job as a part-time art teacher in the Brandon Elementary schools. In 1967, she opened a small art workshop at their home.
About 1980, Sue along with a group of Ortonville United Methodist Church members, realized that a united effort was the most effective way to help curb hunger locally.
Led by Howards’ efforts, five area churches formed the Food Pantry with a site established at St. Anne Church. Through her efforts and other volunteers the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund was formed to meet the needs of struggling families in the area. OCEF continues today.
Following the establishment of OCEF, Sue took on the task of organizing the first CROP Walk (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) in Ortonville. For more than 30 years the annual walk raised funds to feed thousands.