Susan Rae DePalmo

A Beautiful Life, A Lasting Impact Susan Rae DePalmo January 8, 1957 – October 2025
Susan Rae DePalmo, age 68, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the things and memories she loved most. Born January 8, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, to Raymond and Mavis (Schultz) Ostensen, Susan grew up with a creative mind, a generous heart, and a deep love for her family, animals, and nature. She graduated from Southside High School and later attended a two-year childcare program at UAFS, where her passion for nurturing and teaching children truly flourished.
Susan's life was one of hard work, love, and independence. A devoted mother to three daughters, she often worked multiple jobs at a time to provide for them, holding positions in HR at Baldor, delivering pharmaceuticals, and later devoting many years to childcare at Head Start and Hobson Preschool. Her dedication and strength inspired everyone who knew her.
Known for her artistic touch and endless creativity, Susan could make anything beautiful-from crafting stunning holiday wreaths and floral arrangements to transforming any yard into the prettiest one on the block. Her green thumb was legendary, and her flower beds were her pride and joy. She also loved music-especially Angus Young and Journey-and could often be found crafting with her favorite tunes playing in the background. Susan had a huge heart for animals and often rescued strays, feeding and caring for them whenever she could. Birds were among her favorites, and she faithfully kept food out for them each day, especially her beloved hummingbirds.
A proud and outspoken woman, Susan was deeply knowledgeable about politics and government. She was a lifelong Republican and a strong supporter of President Trump, always standing firm in her beliefs. Her strength, selflessness, and determination were unmatched-she was as strong as she was stubborn, never afraid to speak her mind and always willing to stand up for what she believed was right.
Susan's greatest joy came from being a mother and grandmother. She raised her daughters-Amy Marie Osborne, Carrie Dawn Osborne, and Andrea Leigh Burch-with unwavering love and sacrifice, always putting their needs before her own. She leaves behind five beloved grandchildren, Kayden and Kyndal (Carrie's children), and Kamden, Gunner, and Noah (Andrea's children), along with four "grand furbabies," Sammy, T-Bone, Radar, and Link, all of whom brought her endless joy.
She is also survived by her siblings, Scott "Skip" Ostensen, Pam Bader, and Nancy Burris; her nephew, Curt Lloyd; her niece, Sarah Bader; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mavis Ostensen; grandparents, George and Clara Ostensen; niece, Jennifer Lloyd; and two of her dearest friends, Kay Lynn Kennedy and Allen White.
Though she never remarried, Susan shared her life for many years with Allen White, a kind and loving man who helped raise her girls as his own and remained her best friend until his passing. Susan will be remembered for her strength, independence, faith, and devotion to her family. She lived her life selflessly, worked tirelessly, and loved unconditionally. Her daughters describe her as their role model-a woman who taught them to be strong, stand tall, and never let life's challenges break their spirit.
A celebration of Susan's life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at her home-4101 S. 17th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas-among her beloved flower beds, just as she would have wanted. The service will be officiated by Lance Kaufman. She will be cremated, and no formal visitation is scheduled. Susan's love will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her-like the flowers she so carefully tended, her spirit will forever make the world a more beautiful place.