Suzanne Florence Wilson was born December 30, 1929, in Birney, Montana to Ernest and Mary (Standing Elk) Hardground. Susie passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at home in Weatherford, Oklahoma surrounded by family, she was 88.
Susie was raised in Birney, Montana where she attended school at St. Labre, later moved and graduated from Hammon High School, in Hammon, Oklahoma. In 1954, she moved to Denver, Colorado, as part of a relocation program. Susie was instrumental in laying the groundwork for Denver Indian Health. She visited with heads of households and assisted Indian families creating a new life in Denver. Susie served on the Mayor’s Indian Advisory Board and the DMNH Native American Resource Group. She is also a lifetime member of the White Buffalo Council.
Susie’s hobbies are reading mysteries, watching documentaries about foreign people and their culture, and seeing the Denver Broncos win. Her favorite shows are Survivor and The Amazing Race. Her treasured pastime is researching beadwork, spending time with her kittens, and visiting with family and friends. Susie’s beadwork is displayed in many museums, including the Denver Museum of Natural History and Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. She will be remembered as a mother who loved her family.
Suzanne is survived by two sons, Marvin Frank Wilson (Irma) of Clinton, OK, and Roger L. Wilson (Helen) of Denver, CO; two daughters, Ruth Ann Gardipe of Thornton, CO and Patricia Sue Wilson of Weatherford, OK; one brother, Horace Howlingwater (Stacey) of El Reno, OK; one sister, Josephine Walkingnight of Hammon, OK; many nieces and nephews; twelve grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and thirteen great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Roy, Jess, George and Jerome Howlingwater, and Francis Hardground; sisters, Katie Medicine Bull, Eula Howlingwater, and Dorothy Goodblanket; and granddaughters, Dana Wilson and Hannah Medicine Bull.
Funeral services will be held at St.Labre Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 10 am. The service will be officiated by Paul and Effie Beartrack.
Pallbearers are Landon Medicine Bull, Shannon Medicine Bull, Florris Medicine Bull, Daryl Medicine Bull, Christian Redwoman, and Aimee Wilson.
Burt Medicine Bull says
My extreme condolences to all of my Auntie’s family.
Joanie and Dale says
Larry, Sally, Christine and families,
May the memories is your dear aunt bring you comfort. Love and condolences.
Felicia Alvarez says
Condolences and heart felt prayers from the Alvarez Family. May creator watch over you always. May your momma journey well.
Theresa Durant says
My sicerest condolences to all the family
Faren J. Mitchell says
Grandma Sue, has a special place in my heart! She has been an inspiration to me through out my life. She was the only one there in my darkest hours. She shared my triumphs, she defended me, she supported me, i will miss her dearly. Prayers for strength and safety for my Wilson family traveling to lay her to rest.
Bertie Brown says
Eva Medicinebull- Bear Chum family extends their condolences to Susie’s family. We are saddened to hear of her loss – we know she is returning home to our relatives. Prayers to the family in this time of sorrow and grief. She was a Sister-in-law to Eva and was our Aunty and Grandmother.
Skipp Miller says
I remember Sue when I lived in Denver. My prayers and condolences for her family on their loss of their special person.