"I have many fond memories of Sue Hutton. She was loved by my children when she worked at Sunshine, and was a wonderful host in the times I spent in her home. She was a wonderful person, and always made your day better. Craig Bentrott"
In loving memory of
Susan Ann "Sue" Hutton
February 14, 1939 - April 19, 2021
I have lived a simple, but beautiful life. I was born in Council Bluffs on February 14, 1939, and my parents, Cleo (Al) and Ruth Robey, and my brother Doug loved and supported me through every up and occasional down of my life. My dad was quiet, smart, and loving, and he provided us with a great home. My mom always said I was his sweetheart - and not just on Valentine's Day! My mom was under 5 feet tall, but was always the biggest personality in the room. She filled our home with energy and love. Doug was a few years older than me, but when we started our own families, we grew to be very close. Doug, his wife Ann, and their five kids always made "Aunt Susie" and my kids feel at home when we visited them in Omaha.
I met a handsome boy named Tom at Iowa State Teachers College where I earned my teaching certificate. We married in 1960 and moved to Marshalltown. I left my job teaching second grade in Eldora for the best job I ever had...being a mom. Craig was born in 1961, a year later Bruce was born, Brian a year after that, and Brent a year and a half after that. My boys and I spent a lot of time in the bleachers in the Elk Horn gym where Tom taught and coached girls' basketball. My boys always wished for a sister when breaking wishbones, and in 1971 their wishes came true when Jill was born.
It was a lot of work feeding them, getting them ready for school and to all their activities, and breaking up the "occasional" fight, all while also working at Sunshine Preschool. I spent a lot more time in the bleachers watching them at football, basketball, and softball games, and listening to them at band and vocal concerts. But like I said, it was the best job I ever had.
My family grew quickly when my kids found the beautiful women who became my daughters-in-law and had kids of their own. Craig and Brenda (Bock) have five kids, Bruce and Dena (Heneke) have two boys, Brian and his first wife, Sue (Witt), have 3 kids, and Brian and Becky (Ince) have a girl. Brent and Shelly (Beauchamp) have two kids, and Jill has two girls. I adore my 5 great-grandkids and love that my kids stayed close to home so I can see everyone so often. Plus, I got to spend even more time in the bleachers, cheering on my grandkids. Susie (Witt) Hutton has kept in touch and I always enjoyed her visits and calls. I'm so happy that Jill found David Neuman, who I consider part of my family.
I've been so lucky to make close friends that filled my life with memories. Playing "crack the whip" with childhood friends on the ice-skating rink near my home in Council Bluffs. Singing in the girl's pep club at Abraham Lincoln High School. Clowning around on the college campus. Laughing (loudly) around the table with the great friends I made when living in Elk Horn and stayed close with after we all moved away.
I taught at Sunshine Preschool for 35 years and remain friends with the amazing ladies who worked there. We shared a lot of laughs and a few crazy times behind the scenes. (Ask them about the goat story.) Know that I care for each of you deeply and cherish your friendship. Many of the Sunshine kids I taught are now friends who give me a hug and call me Grandma Sue. I made a lot of fantastic new friends working at Walmart for 29 years. They kept me young and entertained. Plus, I got to see everyone in town...because everyone shops at Walmart!
In the end, Pancreatic cancer played the bad guy, and unlike in fairy tales, the heroine couldn't be rescued. I appreciated all the cards, phone calls, visits and well wishes as I struggled with my illness. I'm sorry if I wasn't great company towards the end, but you brightened even my darkest days and helped me remember better times.
In lieu of flowers, please do whatever you can to make a child's day better. Volunteer at a local school or daycare. Hug your kids or call them and tell them you love them. Read a book to your grandkids. Donate to a charity that helps children get a better education, meals, or clothes. When you see my kids, please share a story they might not have heard. And plant some bubble gum petunias to brighten your home and think about me every time you water them.
Services are pending.
Face masks will be required. Please follow social distancing guidelines during the visitation and burial services.
Tributes
"Very sweet lady, You will be missed!??????????????RIP "
"She was such a wonderful lady, she will be missed. What a beautiful obituary written. I remember her taking care of me as a kid at Sunshine. Then she also cared for my kids as well. Would always see her beautiful smile at Wal-Mart. Always made my day to see her while shopping at Wal-Mart. We would reminisce on the good ol days at Sunshine. If I had my kids with while shopping she made their day. They would get these biggest smiles. Everybody loves them some Sue!! If I didn?t have the kids with she was always asking, ?Where are those kiddos at and how are they doing?? Thank you for all of the memories! Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. R.I.P. Sue-We love you! "
"Sue was one of the nicest people I've ever met. She taught both my girls in Preschool in 1980 and 1984. I enjoyed seeing her at Walmart all those years. Always so sweet. Her obituary was so beautiful, where her kind heart showed through. The world was a better place because she was in it. Sympathy and prayers to all her family. "
"My sincere sympathy to all of Sue's family and friends. Will miss seeing and visiting with her at Walmart. May she rest in peace."
"Sue's smile and laughter is never forgotten. Wonderful person. "
"My dear friend Sue and I worked together for many years at Sunshine School and at Wal-Mart. I will cherish our memories, especially talking of our families. She had that glow talking about her family. RIP Sue, and know how you are loved and will be missed. 'Till we meet again. "
"Sue was a wonderful person who loved her family dearly and cared for so many children in the community. Always shared a story or memory. My sincere sympathy to all of Sue?s family and friends. Cindy Wiese"
"Sue was a lovely person. I can remember taking Mindy to Sunshine and she was a leg grabber that didn't want to let go. Sue would gently peel her off my leg, pick her up, and all was well. Jen was braver and I think Sue got Jen's first designation of MaMa. Lovely memories of her importance to our family. A loving goodbye to MaMa Sue."
"RIP peace Sue! Will certainly miss you Sue as a next door neighbor and a good friend. Thought s & prayers go out to the Hutton family. Will always remember the good times we had with our outside yard chats, the flowers we planted together around your house & the special trips we took to Branson & Europe."
"RIP Sue! You will certainly be missed as a next door neighbor as well as a great friend. Wether it be our little visits in the yard, or planting flowers around your house & the trips we took to Branson & Europe. They are memories I will cherish the rest of my life. "
"So sorry for your family's loss. Sue was a wonderful lady. Bob & Carol Simonson "
"Thoughts and prayers, always with her warm smile."
"Hutton family - I want to express my deepest sympathy on your mom's passing. She will be missed by many. One of the many memories I have of your mom from working with her at Sunshine is from Halloween. Every year the "witch" (aka Nancy Moore) would turn your mom into a clown in front of the children to show them that they did not have to be afraid of the clown as it was Sue. Recently, I have talked to her at WalMart about all of you. She has kept me up to date on what is going on in your lives. Hugs to all of you."
"Thoughts & Prayers to the entire Hutton Family. What a wonderful letter written by a wonderful person. She will be missed & always remembered. "
"My deepest sympathies to the entire Hutton family, Sue was definitely a one of a kind lady! So glad I got the chance to work with her at Walmart!! She worked at Sunshine with my Aunt Dee, I bet there's a party going on up there now!! Sue will definitely be missed!!??"
"This obituary bought tears to my eyes. I don't know this family, but wish I could have been a part of it. Just the perfect MOM and all of you are so lucky to have such wonderful memories. "
"My thoughts and prayers are with Sue's wonderful family. Not only were they her whole life but that of all the children whose life she touched at Sunshine like our own. Heaven is getting a very sweet and kind lady. May she rest in peace. Elaine A. Luett."
"Sue played a big role in the lives of our boys, especially our youngest who was one of the Sunshine School "rug rats." Greatly appreciated."
"RIP. You will be missed by so many. Lots of prayers for the family ."
"I?m so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of memories working with Sue at Sunshine and later conversations at Walmart. Sue always asked about our girls and I about Craig and Brenda and family. She will definitely will be missed."
"Jill and Jenna, I?m so sorry for your loss. My best memories are cheering on the Maquoketa Cardinals together! We were always on the same team, thankfully, lol! I also worked with Sue at Walmart for a short period and got to know her even better. She reminded my sister and I of our own mom who has passed. Looks and personality! I never made a trip to Walmart when she was working without getting an update on you Jenna! She was so proud of you all! She never failed to ask about my family to get the latest updates or to talk to little Michael. She was the best there was! Prayers and Love, Erin"
"Thoughts and prayers. so sorry for your loss. Sue was a very special lady. RIP Sue. Worked with her at Walmart for many years."
"Hutton family - I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to all of you. One of my many memories of working with Sue at Sunshine was at Halloween time when the "witch" (Nancy Moore) turned her into a clown in front of the children so that they would not be afraid of the clown because it was Sue! In most recent times I enjoyed stopping to talk with Sue at Walmart to hear about what her family was doing. She will be missed by many."
"I?m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family."
"Sorry for your families loss ! Sue was a one of a kind lady! She will be missed dearly! Love You , Sue! ?"
"A beautiful obituary - I wish the entire Hutton family peace during this difficult time. "
"A BEAUTIFUL Lady- Sue Was l Just Sern Her 2- WEEK'S Ago @ WalMart !! Doin What She Did Best !! R I P- Sue !! "
"What a beautiful obituary for an amazing woman. Her laugh and smile will forever be in my memories of Sue. You will be missed, watch over all those beautiful kids Sue. Love and hugs to you all. Paige Sebbert Livingston "
"Jill and family, Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers today. No words can ease the pain you are feeling nor fill the void your mom left behind. As you know your mom played a huge roll in the lives of so many Sunshine Kids. Some of my favorite childhood memories were made at Sunshine and Sue was always there for me both as a child and as an adult. I will miss chatting with her at Walmart on my visits back home. May God be with you during this time and always. Sincerely, Julia Edwards"
"Working with Sue for many years one would always hear about the family. Sue will be missed by many, myself included. Thoughts and prayers to all of Sue?s family."
"Such a beautiful tribute written by such a beautiful woman. Her incredible smile and cheerfulness will remain forever in the memories of everyone who knew her. She was a true inspiration. My heart goes out to the family. "
"Sincerest sympathy to the family in the loss of ?our? wonderful Sue!! We enjoyed our travels to Alaska and Europe .....soooo many memories and giggles!! I miss her already."
"Craig, Brenda and family, May God hold you close during this difficult lose. You are all in our prayers. Tom & Mary Jane"
"I can?t remember my life without Sue in it. She was like a second mother to me growing up. No matter what Jill and I did growing up, Sue always laughed and thought we were funny! Maybe Sue is why we always thought we were funnier than we were?. I love the Hutton clan like family. Sue will always have a special place in my heart.??"
"My Sympathy to her family she was such a wonderful woman. I knew her from many places but really enjoyed seeing her in Walmart. She will truly be missed . Rest In Peace Sue ! ???"
"My sincerest and deepest sympathy for all of Sue's family, loved,ones, and friends. Sue was such a bright light, such a positive lady! Loved her smile, her laugh, she was golden! I loved when she would fill me in about her kids and grandkids lives, how she would beam with pride! So many fond memories of Sue. May you feel the love of God as you prepare to celebrate her life. Peace be with you all!"
"My heart goes out to your whole family, Sue played a special role in many children's lives, mine included. I will miss our chats to catch at Walmart. Sue was sure proud of her whole family. Sending hugs to you all. "
"So very sorry to hear of Sue's passing. Knew her from Sunshine and WalMart. She was the sweetest person. Sending healing prayers to the family!! Mary Ann and Denny Knight"
"Our prayers are with Sue's family and friends. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Most of all, the many children she loved and who loved her at her time at Sunshine School! May the Lord be with you and give you His comfort."
"Sue was such an important part of our three children?s early life. We were blessed as a family to have her dedication and caring. Sue was one special gal!"
"My thoughts and prayers go out to Sue's family. "
"Craig, Brenda, and family, May the peace that passes all understanding surround you in this difficult time. L. Roberts"
"Randy and Bev Gobin Sue was such a great teacher at Sunshine. Always happy around my children, and always helpful at Walmart. Her smile and kindness will be missed by many. Heartfelt sympathy to her family, keep those memories close to heart.?"
"Memories of Sue will always be if the most greatest and fond. She enjoyed having kids and people in her life. With my oldest going to sunshine for a short time she was able to see a great comparison in my granddaughter and her mom and laugh. All 3 grandkids would run up to her and say hi or just give her a hug when they?d see her at Walmart. As I worked with her at Walmart her and I would always have a FUN time and laugh. So much fun she was. My family?s deepest sympathy goes out to her family and will pray for all family and friends. Rest In Peace dear Sue! "
"I have memories of Sue working with her for many years at Sunshine. I also enjoyed talking with her when I?d see her at Walmart. She would always ask me about my kids, and she would share what was happening with her kids and grandkids. She was so very proud of all of them. I consider Sue a Maquoketa icon and she will be very missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to her entire family."
"Sue was such a familiar face and smile to see at Walmart...always had a story about her grand kids. She always remembered my kids and had stories of them from Sunshine days. Prayers to her family she will be deeply missed. "
"My thoughts and prayers are with Sue's family. I'll never forget the care and attention she gave to my son while he was in her preschool class at Sunshine. She always had a kind word for him. God Bless."
"Sweet Sue, I will love and miss you always! To all is of Sue?s family you have my deepest sympathy! "
"Sue, was truly an amazing person! Touched so many lives.. Prayers to each of her family.. "
"Thoughts and prayers for family and friends ????? Sue was such a sweet woman."
"Sorry for your loss. Prayers to everyone."
"So sorry for your loss. Great woman"
"a great person who touched so many lives - I will miss her smile"