Susan Middendorf, 81, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away on 22 September 2025. She was the wife of General Superintendent Emeritus Jesse C. Middendorf. Jesse served as a general superintendent from 2001 to 2013.
Susan was born to parents Ralph and Rubye Marlowe on 13 December 1943, in Blountsville, Alabama. A southern belle and self-proclaimed daddy’s girl, Susan and her younger brother, Wendell, graduated from high school in Albertville, Alabama, in 1961.
Following graduation, she enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene College to study history and education. There she met Jesse C. Middendorf, a theology major and aspiring minister. After a 3-year courtship, Susan and Jesse married on 4 June 1964. Later, they would welcome children Jon, Marlo, and Jim.
After Susan and Jesse graduated from Trevecca, the young family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary (NTS). During that time, Jesse traveled the country representing the Nazarene Publishing House (now known as The Foundry Publishing) while Susan taught in the public school system.
Jesse led the Northwest Oklahoma District from 1985 to 1991, and the Kansas City District as interim from 2017 to 2018. He also served as a minister in Tennessee, Kentucky, New Mexico, Texas, and Missouri.
Susan invested deeply in both her family and church—supporting her pastor and husband wholeheartedly, being the best advocate for her children, and always cheering the loudest as Mom.
Jesse was called to serve as the district superintendent in Northwest Oklahoma. During that time, Susan worked in the office of the registrar at Southern Nazarene University, earning the nickname “Mamadorf.”
She kept the name and the matching desk plate when Jesse and Susan moved back to Kansas City in 1991, and Susan worked as the registrar at NTS. Mamadorf served all the students she could reach, offering words of encouragement, free advice, and tough love as needed.
Over the years, “Geba” —as Kenedy, the oldest granddaughter, named her — would enjoy the love of seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Even in her later years, Geba was never tired of getting the family together, feeding off the energy and cherishing every burst of laughter.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Rubye Marlowe.
She is survived by her husband, Jesse C. Middendorf; brother, Wendell Marlowe; son, Jon Middendorf; daughter, Marlo Orton; son, Jim Middendorf; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends from wherever they served around the world.
The Middendorf family is deeply grateful and acknowledges the love and support from all who have been a part of their life. Susan, you remain the tangible evidence of God’s grace in our lives.
Susan was memorialized at OKC First Church on 27 September 2025. To view a recording of the service, click here.