Good bye for now my good friend. You have been through many hardships but always remained faithful to God. I know God used your trials to His glory. Until we meet again
Love you my sister in Christ …Esther

I loved Susie! I am so sorry to hear of her passing- it had been many years since I have spoken with her, but she was always very special to me.

My husband worked with Ron in Decatur, Illinois, in the days when he was a newspaper photographer, which is how we met Susie and naturally, the wonderful English Cocker Spaniels she raised. We enjoyed their friendship so much. Later, our son Tim worked with them at Ron’s photo shop, assisting him at wedding shoots. They were still in Decatur when my husband changed jobs and we moved. But Susie had given me a little Cocker she reclaimed from someone she’d sold it to, and gave it to me as a birthday gift. Kelly became a cherished member of our family, and when we lost her to a cancer, Susie insisted that they come visit us in Bloomington and bring a crateful of puppies to cheer us. I remember that evening so well, even Ron’s compliment on the lasagna! Sadly, we lost track of them for a little while when Ron decided to seriously develop his love of cooking and became a chef. But we reconnected, thanks to the internet and kept track of Susie when she was deep into her quilting, and then lost touch again. We are very sad to learn of her passing but know she is in God’s gentle hands. We are so sorry for your loss, and ours. Susie and Ron were a very special pair and we’ve always thought of them as a couple. I’m sure Ron was waiting for her at heaven’s gate. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy and condolences. From Michael, Linda and Tim O’Connor, Erin and Christopher, too.