Susan Carol Flores

Susan Carol Mustaine Flores, beloved sister, mother and friend, unexpectedly passed from this life on November 27th, 2023 at the age of 73. She is survived by her loving daughter Mallory Flores and her adoring sister, Joni Mustaine Malekovic, to whom she was not only a precious sibling, but her very best friend. Her brother-in-law Larry Malekovic and nephews Luke and Case loved and adored her deeply.

Born in Lima Ohio on a sunny September 9th, in 1950, Susan had a brilliant mind, a kind heart, possessed an innate love of adventure, knowledge and a penchant for bucking the status quo. She was the first woman in her family to graduate college, and a proud, bra-burning second wave feminist, she let her passion for knowledge take her across the Atlantic ocean to study abroad in England, specializing in Victorian literature. Returning to the states, she graduated summa cum laude and moved out west, having accepted a job offer in Arizona, at Arizona State University, where she met and fell in love with John Steven Flores, marrying him in 1988. She taught English for 35 years, having touched the lives of countless students as well as a special group of faculty members. Susan had a way of making even the most mundane of facts seem interesting and engaging with her sharp wit and wicked sense of humor, inspiring a shared love of history, the English language and writing within her family and her students.

Passionate about Native American history, Victorian England and the legacy of the Russian czars, she motivated her sister and her daughter in particular to pursue the subjects they were interested in with reckless abandon, often enjoying an educational and exhilarating road trip with her family. When she spoke about history and various figures throughout, it always sounded like she knew them and their lives personally. Susan was wildly creative, specializing in expertly-crafted and exquisite needlework, and had a wonderfully discerning eye for aesthetics, which she proudly passed on to her daughter. Her legacy lives unending within said daughter, her sister, and every single student she had the opportunity to guide. She will always be our inspiration.

Susan is preceded in death by her beloved husband and soulmate John Steven Flores, and her darling mother Emma Lou Castle Mustaine, and her dear father, Donald E. Mustaine. Ever a private person who disliked being the center of attention, as per Susan’s wishes, an intimate family service will be held at a later date.