Susan Elizabeth Axton

When Susan Lawrence was born to Goldie and Adelbert in November 1946, a natural puzzle sleuth had arrived into the world. A Spokanite, Sue grew up along with sisters Judy and Kathy as well as best friend, Pam (Nieschulz) Olson. She graduated from Shadle Park High School and then married Lynn Axton, embarking on the remainder of her life as Susan Axton.

The first additions to the Axton household arrived a short time later when foster daughters Beth and Ann moved in. Over the next decade, Sue gave birth to daughters Pam, Alissa, and Elena. She worked primarily as a stay-at-home mother until the mid-1970s when she was called to join the workforce to help combat SIDS after the tragic passing of her nephew Robbie.

That act of engagement with the world beyond her front door led Sue to pursue other endeavors: she spent years serving as the pianist for the RLDS Church, she worked as a classroom aide for various schools throughout District 81, earned her associate's degree from Spokane Falls Community College, and received her BA in History from EWU. While attending Eastern she even crossed off the number one item on her bucket list by traveling to France and Great Britain as part of a college Study Abroad program. After graduation, Sue procured a job at the university working for Archaeological and Historical Services. She retired in 2002 to help provide childcare for her grandson, Tyler.

Susan Axton spent the remainder of her life, "loving, laughing, and losing a little" seemingly all at once, until she drew her last breath at Sacred Heart Hospital while surrounded by family and her favorite show Downton Abbey played in the background.

Sue was preceded in death by many of her loved ones including her husband, her parents, her best friend, her in-laws Erma Axton, Phillip McKinley, and Myrna and Charles Baker, as well as other cherished family and friends. She is undoubtedly now enjoying a reunion with all those beloved folks whom she'd spent too many years living without.

The funeral service for Susan will be held at Hennessey's Funeral Home (2203 North Division Street) at 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 21st.

Sue is survived by her daughters, her sons-in-law Walt, Cory, and Lancer, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her sisters. And though she will be missed, there is comfort in knowing that Sue is once again free to solve her puzzles, swim in the pool, decorate for holidays, and walk the beach.