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Suzanne Elizabeth (Sturgis) Meyer left her earthly body and entered the presence of her Heavenly Father in heaven Sunday evening, June 10, 2012.
She had been under hospice care at the Garden of the God’s Care Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., since April 30, 2012.
She was a 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 June 19, 1934, in Sturgis, (the town her great-great-grandfather had founded), she was the second child of four born to Thomas and Edith (Voyce) Sturgis.
She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Don Meyer; a sister, Alice Scheetz; a brother, David (Beverly) Sturgis; a son, David (Linda) Meyer; a daughter, Karen (Rick) Crowfoot; and four grandchildren, Samuel, Philip, Elli and Andrew.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Matthew L. Sturgis.
She graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1952. Her sheep and cherry pies won awards at the St. Joseph County 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 a 4-H County Extension Agent, she married Don Meyer in 1958.
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 and 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 enjoyed the XYZ Sunday school class in her later years. She participated with other women in a local home economics chapter. She lived the last 15 years in Crystal Park on the southeast edge of Manitou Springs.
She and Don were avid square and round dancers — members of the “Wagon Wheelers” and “Mountain Swingers” for over 25 years. She also enjoyed hiking, skiing, swimming, traveling and ridding the world of weeds.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. June 18 at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Suzanne ( Sturgis) Meyer will be held at 11 a.m. June 19 at Pulpit Rock Church, 301 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Spring Canyon (family camp of the Officers’ Christian Fellowship). Make check payable to Spring Canyon. Send to P.O. Box 2047 Buena Vista, CO 81211.
