Sue Ann Crum..... Age 86

Memorials are to Ascend Hospice

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Born Sue Ann Sutton, the older of two children, to Orlow R. Sutton and Nelle L. (Belt) Sutton, in Greeley, KS on November 30, 1935. Sue joined her Heavenly Father and began her new life on April 22, 2022.

Sue attended Lane Elementary and graduated from Lane High School. Her childhood was spent growing up in Lane KS and she loved living in the country. Sue’s favorite playmates were her little brother, Ronnie Sutton and their cousin Lee Brady (Kestermeyer).

The family was close-knit, but Sue was particularly close to her grandmother, Granny Sutton. Granny also lived in Lane, and Sue spent a lot of time at her house, especially on the days that she would play hooky from school. During this time, she developed a friendship with Francis Black (Corner), also of Lane. The two of them would remain best friends for their entire lives.

Along with being an accomplished nurse at the Osawatomie State Hospital, Sue’s mother Nelle was also a musician and tutor and taught her how to play the piano and the guitar at an early age. One of Sue’s fondest memories of her mother was learning to play ‘My Happiness’ on the family piano. Sue’s love for music remained with her for the rest of her life.

As a teen, Sue enjoyed visiting family friends, the Hay’s. The Hay’s introduced her to another family friend, Eldon McDowell of Osawatomie Kansas, who would become Sue’s future husband. David Eldon McDowell and Sue Ann Sutton were joined in marriage on September 22, 1953, in Kansas City, KS and became proud parents to five children. The family made their home in Osawatomie Kansas and the marriage lasted for many years. For most of the marriage, Sue was a loving stay at home mom to her children. After all her children began attending school, Sue started a long career in nursing and caregiving. She worked for several years at Holiday Manor (now Life Care of Osawatomie) and Osawatomie Rest Home, before retiring from Miami County Hospital.

Even after retiring, Sue’s passion as a caregiver did not end. She would continue to provide in-home healthcare for many local citizens, allowing them to remain in the comfort of their homes. At last count, Sue had cared for more than fifty residents over the years. She loved them all, but her most special connection was with Ted Lewis (and his family), for whom she provided care for several years.

On October 4, 1980, Sue entered into marriage with Charles William Crum, also of Osawatomie Kansas. They also continued to make their home in Osawatomie. This marriage remained strong until his death on June 7, 2019. Sue and Charles enjoyed traveling and did so extensively. Their greatest love, however, was their family, especially their grandchildren and spending time with them truly was their favorite pastime. Sue really enjoyed the holidays and was an avid decorator at Halloween and Christmas time. She was a member of the Osawatomie Presbyterian Church and Lane Alumni Association.

The family would like to acknowledge Sue’s (and their) love and gratitude of her extended Vintage Park family. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Vanessa, Dorothy, Michelle, Shelia, Amy, and all of her Chickies, that unquestionably went over and above! Most of all, they want to recognize a very special, warm, kind, and incredible lady, Pauline Pretz, who became Sue’s best friend during their time together at Vintage Park.

Sue was not pretentious and always remained true to herself. If you had a problem with this, it was your problem and she would gladly “flip you the bird” in a way that only she could.

Sue is preceded in death by her father, Orlow R. Sutton, mother, Nelle L. (Belt) Sutton, and brother, Ronald S. Sutton. She leaves behind her five children Steve McDowell (Betty), Alan McDowell (Rita), Starla Hughes (Michael), Misty Kitchen (Randy), and Ronnie McDowell (Theresa). Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.