Suzanne Elizabeth Meyer Obituary

Suzanne Elizabeth (Sturgis) Meyer was the farmer's daughter. She never shied away from hard work or complained about hardships. She was unbelievably tough. Although she left the farm after adolescence, she spent her entire life cultivating a different harvest--people. She welcomed, affirmed and encouraged. She only saw the good in people. She simply wanted others to know joy and success. Born in Sturgis, Michigan (named after her great, great, grandfather who was the first settler) on June 19, 1934---the 2nd child of 4 born to Thomas and Edith (Voyce) Sturgis. She left her old body and joined her heavenly father in heaven on June 10, 2012. She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, sister Alice Sheetz, brother David Sturgis, son David (Linda) Meyer, daughter, Karen (Rick) Crowfoot, and 4 grandchildren: Samuel, Philip, Ellie and Andrew. Since her older sister was often ill, she was her father's chief laborer until her younger brothers reached their teens. Her sheep and cattle won prizes at the Michigan State fair. She graduated in Home Economics from Michigan State University in 1956. During her senior year, she was selected as the "Student Homemaker" for the entire State of Michigan. After serving as 4-H County Extension Agent and a high school teacher, she married Donald H. Meyer in 1958. For the next 54 years she took care of her husband, 2 children, 4 grandchildren and all those she met. During Don's Air Force career, wherever they were stationed in England, Indiana, Ohio, Germany, Tennessee, Colorado, New Mexico, and Florida. Sue transformed each house into a home that welcomed all. When Don taught at the Air Force Academy, their home was a refuge for many cadets. After her daughter's spinal cord injury, she provided untiring support and care for Karen, first, and later, for Ellie & Andrew: cleaning, washing, nurturing and gardening. Sue lived in the Pikes Peak Region for a total of 38 years. She worshiped at Pulpit Rock Church for the last 34 years. She and Don were untiring advocates of strong marriages, teaching pre-marriage classes for many years and then enjoyed the XYZ Sunday School class in her later years. She enjoyed the fellowship of the local home economics chapter. She lived the last 15 years in Crystal Park on the southeast edge of Manitou Springs. The family wishes to thank the Crystal Park Community for providing support and meals during the last months of her life. She and Don were avid square dancers-members of the "Wagon Wheelers" and "Mountain Swingers" for over 25 years. She also enjoyed hiking, skiing, traveling and ridding the world of weeds. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2012 at the Shrine of Remembrance funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Pulpit Rock Church, 301 Austin Bluffs Parkway. A reception will follow the services at the church. Private entombment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Spring Canyon (family camp of the Officers' Christian Fellowship). Make checks out to Spring Canyon. Send to PO Box 2047, Buena Vista, CO 81211. Online condolences: ShrineOfRemembrance.com