Susanne Elwood Houston, 94, of Lawrence, Kansas, died peacefully on July 11th, 2023, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living with loving family and faithful cat (Molly) by her side.
Sue was born August 24th, 1928 in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Samuel Harold Elwood and Pleasant Maria (Holyoke) Elwood. While growing up, she attended The Barton School just northwest of the city in remote and beautiful Topanga Canyon. Later, her family moved to Omaha, Nebraska where she graduated from Brownell Hall, after which she attended Stanford University in California. At Stanford, Sue met the love of her life and future husband, Clay. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in International Relations, and later attended graduate school at Fort Hays State University in Kansas where she developed a passion for medieval history
On the same day as their university graduation, June 19th, 1950, Susanne Holyoke Elwood and Alexander Clayton Houston were married in the Stanford Memorial Church.
Sue and Clay lived in California for a few years, and then in Hawaii while Clay served in the United States Army. They eventually relocated and raised their family in Hays, Kansas. While there, she helped to found the local chapter of the League of Women Voters. After her husband’s retirement, they moved to a country home near Baldwin City, Kansas, where they enjoyed raising goats and other animals, before eventually settling in nearby Lawrence.
Sue was an avid gardener who also enjoyed cooking, travels to England, and researching family genealogy.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband Clay, and her sister Ruth. She is survived by her daughter Laura (Edward) Weaver of London, Canada; her son Peter Houston of Lawrence, Kansas; grandchildren Clayton, Holly, Alex, Eleanor, and Mariah; and great-grandchildren Theodore and Joshua.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Public Library or the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
It was my honor and pleasure to get to know this wonderful woman during her last few months with us. I wish her family and friends comfort and peace as they share all the wonderful memories of a life well-lived.
My aunt Susie was a caring, nurturing presence in my life. I always enjoyed visiting her because of this quality as well as her mischievous sense of humor.
Sue and Clay raised two wonderful children, Laura and Peter, to whom they imparted a love of nature and conservation. Their grandson Alex, as an environmental lawyer, carries on their values.
In later years the telephone calls my husband and I made to Susie were always a joy to us. We discussed events in the world and our lives, in our explorations of nature, and what our families were doing.
Susie was a part of our life history and a kind and loving person. We will sorely miss her, with all her connections to beloved family members.
As we write these thoughts, tears fill our eyes from sadness at her passing, mixed with the joys of knowing her.
Katharyn and Stanley Reiser
Dear Laura,
What an exceptional woman your mother was. Sounds like she had a very adventurous life, how blessed. Sending our deepest condolences on behalf of the InterCommunity Health Centre. Big hugs to you and your family.
Dear Peter,
I didn’t get to know your Mom for long, but she certainly made a big impression. I admired her success in having a unique life. I am sorry for your loss. —Elaine
Laura, Peter and families,
I have thought of your mom often over the past few years. I feel so fortunate to have known Sue. She was an incredible woman and was an inspiration to those who knew her! Sending wishes for peace and comfort to you all.
Dear family, We are so sorry for your loss. Suzanne was such a lovely lady and a twinkle in her eyes. I did not get to know her as much as I wished. My hope is that you find comfort in her being in peace. Love, Brenda and Family
Dear Laura, we were all so very sorry to hear that you have lost your Mother. As I read her obituary, I could see that the essence of her and her amazing life was there, even though we only knew her from your family stories.
She must have been a wonderful mother. No wonder that you are such a talented woman yourself, My heart goes out to you and your family at this very sad time. Take care of yourself, friend! Your tai chi friends are all thinking about you & sending warmest thoughts your way. And lots of long distance hugs.
To Peter, Eleanor and Mariah. Sorry for loss. A long life well lived.