VASSAR, formerly KELSO, WA - Suzanne Lynn Garner Martinson, age 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 4, 2026, at Heritage Hill Assisted Living in Caro, MI. She was born on November 25, 1942, to Waldo and Annadell (Schell) Garner. She attended Baker Country School through eighth grade under the very capable tutelage of Mrs. Schultz whom Suzanne credits with her love of books and learning.

Growing up, Suzanne was an active member of Girl Scouts of America and 4-H. She remarked that the best week of her years was fair week at the Tuscola County Fair exhibiting horses and cattle along with other various projects.

She was a 1961 graduate of Vassar High School where she was the co-valedictorian and she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from the Journalism Honors College at Michigan State University. While attending she continued to carry her love of horses as she was a member of the Block and Bridle Club. “Go Big Green” was her battle cry.

After graduation Suzanne began her journalism career in Champaign-Urbana, IL. In 1966 she married Reg Ashmun, her high school sweetheart. Reg was in the Navy so Suzanne’s next career move was teaching Home Economics in Pensacola, FL. They were transferred to Coos Bay, Oregon, and after Reg finished his time in the service, the two moved inland to Sandy, OR where she began her role at the Gresham Outlook.

After they separated, Reg and Suzanne remained lifelong friends, then Suzanne made a bold move to Rainier, Oregon continuing her journalism career. That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable professional journey—one that would carry her across the country and into the hearts (and kitchens) of countless readers.

While at the Gresham Outlook, she met Robert “Bob” Martinson. They married, settled in Rainier, and built a life grounded in partnership, laughter, and shared adventure. Suzanne later joined the Longview Daily News, and not long after, on May 19, 1980, she helped cover the eruption of Mount St. Helens—work that contributed to a Pulitzer Prize–winning effort. It was only the beginning of the excellence she would bring to her craft.

In 1985, Suzanne and Bob moved to Knoxville, TN, where she worked at the News Sentinel. Three years later, they headed to Pittsburgh, PA, where Suzanne became Features Editor at the Pittsburgh Press. When the paper consolidated in 1996, she continued at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as Food Editor, carving out a legacy that would earn her two James Beard Awards and the Bert Greene Award for Food Journalism.

Suzanne didn’t just write about food—she celebrated it. She championed Pittsburgh’s beloved cookie tables, judged ice cream competitions, and explored the sweetness of Hershey. In 2008, she co-authored The Fallingwater Cookbook: Elsie Henderson’s Recipes and Memories, sharing the story and recipes of the Kaufmann family’s personal chef at Fallingwater, the famed home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

She never held back from trying something new. Once, she prepared an entire six-course meal devoted solely to artichokes for her husband and daughter—because why not? Another time, she took her family to a baseball game at PNC Park so they could eat their way through every vendor during a Pirates game. And when Pittsburgh opened a new airport terminal, Suzanne made it her personal mission to try every restaurant, offering readers her honest review.

But Suzanne wasn’t all about work. She was a proud wife and mother, and a devoted friend. She could be found in the stands at every high school football game, cheering on her daughter in the marching band, and she was the undisputed queen of strawberry trifles at every band potluck.

She made time to travel to see the people she loved as well. It wasn’t unheard of for her and Bob to head to Michigan to help move hay into the loft—or to cheer on her beloved Michigan State University Spartans. Her travels also took her to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Paris. But no matter where she roamed, her roots ran deep.

You can take the girl from the farm, but you can’t take the farming out of the girl. She never stopped asking, “How are the crops?” She once surprised Bob and Jessica by carrying in a six-foot framed picture of corn as if it were a trophy. The soil stayed in her soul.

Suzanne and Bob eventually retired to Washington, where she poured herself into volunteering with LINKS, loving her grandchildren, and savoring the simple joys of daily life. She was a lover of crafts and eclectic art, famous for her unique collection of earrings, and a devoted reader of mystery novels.

Suzanne lived a life fueled by curiosity, courage, good food, and deep love.

Suzanne was the proud mother of Jessica and Jennifer, and a joyful grandmother whose love showed up in stories, recipes, travel plans, and second helpings. She taught those around her that excellence and delight can share the same table—that work can be meaningful and fun—and that dessert should never be postponed. Her favorite motto might sum it up best: “Eat dessert first, life is uncertain.”

Suzanne lived fully, loved fiercely, and left behind a table where there will always be room—and always something delicious to share.

She is survived by her daughter Jessica (Elijah) Burton of Lansing; grandchildren Micah and Alexis Burton; siblings Roxann (Dutch) Guthrie and Jon (Martha) Garner of Vassar; nieces and nephews Kristi (Tim) Barber, Jackie Garner (Chad Brown), Dan (Shauna) Garner, Kelsey (Justin) Rudy; and many more beloved family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Robert “Bob” Martinson (2015); her daughter Jennifer Ann Martinson (1979, age 3 weeks); and her parents, Annadell (2013) and Waldo (1995) Garner.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Heritage Hill Assisted Living and Memory Care for the love and support shown over the past four years. We are eternally grateful for the way you became Suzanne’s family.

A memorial service will take place at First United Methodist Church, Vassar on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 p.m, with visitation starting at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served for all at the church following the service. Burial services will take place in Rainier, Oregon (date TBD).

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Palomino Horse Breeders Association Youth Scholarship Fund (https://www.palominohba.com/the-association/youth-scholarships/) or Longview Youth and Family Link (https://www.linkprogram.org/).

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Suzanne and her family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Vassar. Address: 1148 W. Saginaw Rd, Vassar, MI 48768. Phone (989) 823-8621.

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