Born October 15, 1944, at the original Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California, adjacent to the steel mill, Sue grew up the princess among four brothers: Don, Bob, Jack, and David. Raised in Fontana, Sue graduated from Fontana High School early to marry her dance partner and sweetheart, Richard, right before Valentine’s Day.
Together they raised three children, Rick of New Harmony, Utah, Rochelle of Lake Arrowhead CA, and Michael of Lewisville, Texas.
For decades Sue and her mother Alice ran the Lilac Cafe in Rialto, CA with the rambunctious help of sister-in-law Linda Lally and nieces Julie, Jonnie, Linda, and her daughter Chelly—a TRUE FAMILY restaurant.
A few years after closing the restaurant, Richard and Sue relocated to New Harmony, Utah where Richard had built a home for his princess. They thrived within this community that they loved. Together they volunteered throughout Harmony Valley from the local water board to the Apple Festival to gathering funding and building the New Harmony Fire Department dedicated to Richard upon his passing in 2009.
Not one to sit still, Sue returned to waitressing with her adopted family at Sullivan’s in Cedar City, DeDe’s in St. George, and finally at DeDe’s Farmhouse Cafe in Parowan.
Mom was a woman of service and food was her love language. With over 200 cookbooks and a spunky spirit, she was always cooking up something new, in and out of the kitchen. She shared this feistiness with everyone she met, especially at work. She was known as “Parowan’s Grandma” and would find a way to connect with each customer, especially the little ones. Her sassy “sissy sticks” reference to drinking straws and loving on the children will be sorely missed by all.
God opened His gates, and she saw our dad reach out his hand for a dance. She twirled to his hip. Dancing for his birthday the next day. Hip to hip for eternity. Crowds of angels parted to watch. Heaven is a magical dancefloor for sure.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Tom, brothers Bob and Jack as well as many other family members and friends. She is survived by her three beloved children, Rick, Rochelle, and Michael (Jenny), designated daughter Terri Ford, twelve grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Our mom set the standard of strength, independence, unwavering love, and loyalty. She showed us grace and gratitude throughout our lives and she will forever remain our guardian angel. In lieu of flowers, take a moment each day to count your blessings and know that you too are a blessing to others. We are God’s hands.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, November 22, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, 324 W 200 N, Cedar City, UT at 2:00 pm
We wish to thank the community for opening their hearts to our family. It is comforting to know that Mom was always surrounded by love and laughter. You graciously accepted us as your own, and we will be forever grateful.