Susan (Crooker) Norvell

Susan Carolyn was born to Allen and Ada (Stone) Crooker in Auburn on September 19, 1940, and proudly lived her entire life in Nemaha County. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1958 and from the University of Nebraska in 1962. Sue taught briefly at Hickory Grove school, worked in the Fine Arts Department at Peru State College and loved working in the library at Auburn Middle School, but mostly loved when she was an at-home mom and having daily coffee with friends.

Susan was a proud mom of Lynne Renee and Heather Sue, born when she was married to Duaine McKnight. Susan married Don Norvell in 1977, and they built a great life together. When Don retired, they spent winters in Harlingen, TX where she enjoyed sewing, crafting, and playing bridge while Don golfed and fished. They celebrated their 40th anniversary prior to Don’s death in 2017. She missed him every day.

Grandma Sue loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved watching her grandchildren in everything from sports to musicals and was so proud of each of them. She loved to show care to friends and family by driving them to appointments, sharing a cup of coffee and delivering pans of her famous ham balls.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two infant daughters and her sister, Jane Smith and Don’s son Bill.

Left to cherish their memories of Susan are her daughters and their families: Lynne & Kevin Herr, children Olivia & Ian Holleran, with baby boy Holleran due in December, and Eric and Sydney Herr, Lila and Luna. Heather & Jamie McKinney, children Scott, Tiffany & Cody McKinney and Hali & Brendan Summers, Cole & Levi. Sue is also mourned by beloved nieces, nephews and their families.

She will also be missed by Don’s family - his daughter, Regina Robins and her family, the families of his sisters Doris and Joann, and his Norvell cousins. She especially cherished her lifelong friendships with Nancy Woodhams and Edine Moody, and she loved every minute she could listen to Mary Lauber play the piano. She will be missed by so many friends and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 6, 10:30 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 5:00 to 7:00. Burial of ashes will be held on a later date in Sheridan Cemetery at Auburn.

Watch Sue's memorial service via YouTube here.  

Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to Sheridan Cemetery.