Susan Louise Claassen
1958 - 2015 | Obituary
Susan Louise Claassen, 57, passed away
August 4th at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, Kansas. Susan was born in
Newton, Kansas, May 24, 1958.
Susan had lived with multiple sclerosis
from early adulthood and ultimately died from complications of this
disease. Susan graduated from Newton High School in 1976, earned a
degree in Personnel Management from Kansas University in 1980, and
was a graduate of the Hesston School of Nursing in 1984. In high
school she was a star athlete and excelled in both gymnastics and
track. At KU, Susan was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. After
graduating from KU, Susan took a job a job as a sales representative
for the Vick's Health Division. Shortly after taking this job, she
was diagnosed with MS and had to leave this position. After her MS
somewhat stabilized, she went on to earn her nursing license and
worked as a nursing services provider at the Lorraine Health Center,
a day care health center for the elderly in Wichita, Kansas. Susan's
professional work life was short-lived due to her MS, but she
continued to act as a volunteer in the Newton Community and was
recognized for her work as a Crisis Hotline Counselor for United
Methodist Youthville. A scholarship fund in her name was established
at the Hesston School of Nursing. Also a child care center was
established by her family, in her honor, at Schowalter Villa. Susan
battled with MS for over 30 years. This journey with MS was never
easy. The family would like to thank her many friends for their
unwavering support over the years. A special thanks to the wonderful
staff at Schowalter Villa. Your many acts of kindness and love, made
Susan's battle less lonely and her life richer.
She is preceded in death by her mother
and father, Walter and Helen Claassen.
Survivors include sister Patty Purvis
of Wichita, Kansas, brother William Claassen of Columbia, Missouri,
brother Robert Claassen of Kansas City, Missouri, nephew Mark Purvis
of Seattle, Washington, niece Lander Cooney of Bozeman, Montana,
great nephews Jack and Tucker Purvis of Seattle, Washington, and
great niece Juniper Cooney of Bozeman, Montana. There will be a
graveside service in Newton, date to be announced. Memorial donations
may be made to the Hesston School of Nursing. Condolences may be left
at www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
