A. Sue “Susie” Anderson, 79, passed away on January 16, 2024, at Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater, SD. Sue was born on February 14, 1944, in Rapid City, SD, the first daughter of Adolph ‘Coob’ Anderson and Mary Elizabeth (Cooper) Anderson.
Sue grew up with her five younger siblings at the base of Piedmont Butte on a hobby farm. She grew to love horses, riding throughout the foothills in Piedmont. She attended school at Piedmont until the school was closed in 1961, graduating from Sturgis High School in 1962. Sue enjoyed being involved in her school and was the high school rodeo queen runner up. In 1963, she married her high school love, Kirk Schumacher. The family quickly grew with the birth of two sons and a daughter. She loved her children very much. Family was always an important part of Sue’s life.
She attended Northern State College and graduated from Black Hills State College in 1970 with an education degree in art and English. She taught school in Las Vegas, NV for several years before coming back to the Black Hills. She then taught in Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base. Her life quickly changed when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was 40. She left the school system and became involved with a carpet cleaning business. It wasn’t long before the arts called her back. She opened a floral business in her home. Missing the children, she became an artist-in-the-schools instructor, traveling to many school districts in the state through the South Dakota Arts Council. Pottery seemed to be enjoyed by many of the students. Her last business “The Art Room” saw her helping young artists develop their skills. It seems like throwing projects on her pottery wheels and firing them in her kilns were her true calling.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother, Howard George; and brother, Richard G. Anderson, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Left to mourn her passing are Jeff Schumacher (Sherry) of Green River, Wy; David Schumacher (Pam) of Daniel, Wy; and Mary Jean Voigt of Piedmont, SD. Grandchildren are Jeffrey Schumacher, Justin Schumacher, Krissy Beitel, Mandy Schumacher, Kali Voigt, and Cooper Voigt. Six great grandchildren are Jack and Emma Schumacher, Brooks, Scarlett and Ruby Beitel and Frankie Schumacher. She is also survived by siblings Mary Ellen (Duane) Hoover, Newbury Park, CA; Phil (Kim) Anderson, Piedmont, SD; Pati (Grant) Dierks, Orofino, ID; and Barb Shepardson, Parkston, SD. as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be held Friday, February 2 from 5 to 7 pm at Kinkade Funeral Home, 1235 Junction Ave, Sturgis, SD. Funeral services will be conducted at Grace United Methodist Church, 10060 Foothills Dr., Piedmont, SD on February 3, 2024 at 10:30 am followed by burial at Piedmont Cemetery. She will be put rest in the family plot next to Brother Rich. Live streaming is available through kinkadefunerals.com.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
