Susan J. McQueen

Family oriented, loving, and a great sense of humor are just a few things that come to mind when talking about Susan McQueen. She always was caring about others and there for others, but never wanted to burden you with anything. Born October 8, 1947 in Wolf Lake, Indiana at Lucky Hospital, Susan J. Sheets was the first-born child of Morris and Norma (Marrs) Sheets.

Growing up on the family farm in rural Whitley County off Raber Road, Sue helped her parents with doing chores and taking care her younger siblings, Mike, Janet and Dennis. The family attended Laud Christian Church and Sue was involved with the Sunshine Society while attending Columbia City High School. While attending a dance one night at the city hall, Sue was approached for a dance by James McQueen. The two began dating and on Valentine's Day of 1966, Jim took Sue to the Terrace Room and purposed to her. After graduating Columbia City High School with the Class of 1966, Sue and Jim would be married on October 1, 1966 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Columbia City.

Sue and Jim would have two children, Kevin and Trisha. With Jim having a need for speed, he was involved with tractor pulling and this was a family affair. Weekends would be spent going to events in Indiana and Michigan and Sue even did a few tractor pull events herself.

After high school, Sue began her work career at Midwest Life Insurance. She then worked in the law offices of Bloom-Bloom-Fleck and then Whiteleather. In the early 1990's, Sue began working for Chemical Engineering for 10 years before working for the Whitley County Prosecutors office with their 4D Program. Susie retired in 2016.

Being highly involved with the American Business Women's Association, Sue served on several Chairmanships between 1994 through 2002 including Greeters in 1994, Kiddie Parade in 1995, Joint Council in 1996 & 2002, National Delegate in 1998, Program Planners in 2000, Special Education Chapter in 2001 and Education in 2001 & 2002. Sue also had served as President in 1998, Vice President in 1997 and 1999, Secretary in 1996 and 2003, and was awarded Woman of the Year. She also been on the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce where she had been a past president; and the Union Busy Bells.

Family meant the most to Sue and she loved being at any of her grandsons’ events or having morning coffee with her sister. Sue and Tricia enjoyed their “Girls’ Day” adventures, and the number one discussion was where to eat. If Sue had the choice, it was going to be one of her favorites- Olive Garden or Red Lobster. She found relaxation tending to her flower gardens, crocheting, and listening to music.  She and Jim listened to 60’s together and Sue lit up when Susie Q came on the radio. She also enjoyed country music and going to concerts. Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Blake Shelton and Julie Ann Hough. Another discussion would be about those “Wranglers”.

On Tuesday, February 1, 2022, Susan J. McQueen, 74, passed away unexpectedly at her home in rural Columbia City, Indiana. Survivors include her loving children, son, Kevin McQueen; daughter and son-in-law, Tricia and Jeremy Kilgore; grandchildren, Hayden Kilgore, JT Kilgore, Bentley Kilgore, Jessica McQueen and Hunter McQueen; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Jill Sheets; sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Ron Hindbaugh; brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Diane Sheets; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron and Julie McQueen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Scott and Tam McQueen; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Bailey. Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Jim McQueen on November 18, 2018; and a grandson, Kody McQueen.

Visitation will be 1 to 5 pm Sunday, February 6, 2022 at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 am Monday at the funeral home with Derek Laliberte officiating. Burial will take place at Union Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her husband and other family members. Memorial donations may be given in her memory to National Kidney Foundation. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Susan's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.