Susie Ellen Crystal

In Loving Memory of Susie Ellen Pettengill Crystal

Susie Ellen Pettengill Crystal, 87, of Pocatello, Idaho, sailed home to her heavenly father on January 22, 2024. She was born on July 28, 1936, on her family farm in Mt. Vernon, Maine, to Clarence and Gladys (Randall) Pettengill. Susie graduated as salutatorian from Winthrop High School in 1954 and later joined the Air Force in 1956, where she met her husband, John Calvert Crystal. She furthered her education at Idaho State University, studying computer programming and graduated from office occupations in 1991. Susie's heart was always drawn to children, and she expressed her passion by working at the Pocatello Public Library in the children's center and at Fred Meyer, where she worked in Playland.

She is survived by her older sister, Dorothy Blake, and her seven children: Susan Frazier, Carrol Horne (Steve), John Crystal II (Zhanna), Debby Davis, Richard Crystal II, Karin Crystal (Larry Potter), and Erika Benningfield (Aaron).

Her legacy extends through fourteen grandchildren: Jessica, Monica, Michelle, David, Mercedes, Nicholas, Cooper, Zachary, Veronica, Matthew, Keagan, Isabella, Ray, and Amanda, as well as ten great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, and one son, Richard Kevin Crystal. Her younger twin brothers, Arthur and Alfred, joined her in heaven shortly after.

Susie's zest for life was evident in her diverse interests. She found joy in watching and collecting movies and her favorite show was General Hospital. She was quite a collector, collecting Barbies, dolls, and Elvis and Shirley Temple memorabilia. At 87, she maintained a love for technology, was an avid learner, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of sweets and Diet Coke. Despite getting older she had a continuing love for technology and loved creating web pages, crafting family videos, and playing games on her iphone.

Among her many talents, Susie excelled in caring for her roses and had a deep appreciation for all flowers, particularly roses, tulips and lilacs. Her creativity knew no bounds, from making dolls and doll clothes to crafting dresses for her daughters' weddings. She embraced the holiday spirit, delighting in baking, decorating her home, and passing on these traditions to some of her children and grandchildren. Christmas and Halloween held special places in her heart, and she even dressed up to greet trick-or-treaters as often as she could.

Susie was the matriarch of the family, the ribbon that tied together the East Coast and West Coast branches of her family. Her infectious smile lit up every room she entered, and she was cherished by her family, who meant the world to her. Everyone she encountered was captivated by her warmth and kindness. She cherished her Maine roots and made a point to visit her family as often as possible. Susie had a passion for photography and genealogy, capturing precious moments and preserving family history.

In her memory, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose love, laughter, and enduring spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Susie Ellen Pettengill Crystal, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, now rests in eternal peace, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. A Veteran's Memorial will be held at a later date this year.