Susan Frances (Robb) Dobkins

Durango - September 18, 1947 - July 3, 2025

What everyone remembers about Susan is her laugh - open, long, delighted - reveling in the joys and humor afforded by everyday life. Starting the day with a good chuckle was an essential pleasure for Sue - along with good food, good company, good conversation, a new novel or recipe or knitting pattern, a fresh gardening season, an upcoming trip to plan ... So much to enjoy, so little time, was Sue's motto.

An artist with fibers and textiles - woven, knitted, crocheted, quilted, sewn - she was also a creator of color-splashed gardens and delicious concoctions from her kitchen, including legendary pies, cookies, rolls, and mouth-watering meals that she shared generously with family and friends. Possessed of a keen intelligence, she savored a lively conversation as much as a good Snickerdoodle, and if you went to a party or a gathering at Sue's house, you always, always had a good time.

Born to William and Eleanor Robb in Boulder, Colorado, and the oldest of six siblings, Susan grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she graduated from Poudre High School and attended University of Colorado in Boulder before taking off to explore Europe in a Volkswagen van. Returning to the States, she married Dave Dobkins on October 3, 1971, and they lived in San Francisco and Fort Collins before migrating down to Durango and settling in McElmo Canyon west of Cortez, Colorado. While in Durango, Sue owned and operated the popular knitting store, On the Fringe, in the Main Mall, and in both Durango and Cortez, added her energy and enthusiasm to the many offices she managed, and the groups and organizations she brightened.

Her life was not without its challenges, especially recent medical issues that tried to slow her down. But even after an aortic aneurism that could easily have killed her at age 70, her doctor told her she had too much joie de vivre, or joy of life, to leave this earth yet. And when she finally succumbed to complications from an unexpected liver infection seven years later, she met that challenge the way she had lived - with courage, grit, and a willingness to face the unknown.

And yes, also with humor. For those who remember her can hear her laugh, echoing back to us, even now.

Susan is survived by her husband of 53 years, David Dobkins; her siblings and their spouses, Bruce Robb, Cindi Monroe, Chris Goold (Gary), Joanne Staats (Tom) and Pam Downing (Dan); and a long list of nieces and nephews (grands included), cousins and friends with whom she gifted her love and beautiful creations.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, share a smile, a laugh or a loving connection with someone else, in honor of Sue.