Susan Weisenbarger Kniffel

Susan Weisenbarger Kniffel, age 71, of Glen Carbon, formerly of Holiday Shores, died at 2:54 a.m. on Sunday, March 18, 2007, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis.

She was born on Oct. 4, 1935, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of the late Roy and Mary Lightner Weisenbarger.

She is survived by three daughters: Robin Kniffel Durr and husband, Bradford of Alton, Heidi Crouch and husband, Steve of Highland, and Heather Kniffel of Edwardsville; three grandchildren: Asia and Greyson Durr and Bailey Crouch; and a sister: Barbara Terry of Seminole, Fla.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters: Shirley Graham and Patricia Weisenbarger; and a brother: Roy Weisenbarger Jr.

Ms. Kniffel was a school psychologist. During her treatment for breast cancer, she used her case to expose barriers for health care imposed by the insurance industry. She was a long time member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), serving as president for the Madison County Chapter, on the NAMI Illinois Regional State Board, and edited the NAMI Illinois newspaper for six years. She also served on the NAMI Peer Review Board, taught Peer to Peer courses for families and mental health consumers, testified before the Illinois State Legislature, served on the Illinois State Mental Health Advisory Board, and the Illinois State Mental Health Consumer Council. She also enjoyed scuba diving, parasailing, hot air ballooning and swimming with the dolphins.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, at Weber and Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville.

A celebration of her life will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, at Eden United Church of Christ in Edwardsville with Rev. Mike Krewson, pastor, officiating.

Per the decedent's request, her remains were cremated.

Memorials are suggested to NAMI or Susan G. Koman Foundation.

Internet visitors can sign a guest register online at weberfuneralhome.com.