Susan Onken Fleck

Susan Onken Fleck, age 83, of Carrollton, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. From an early age, Susan dedicated herself to serving others-a passion that would define her life and leave an indelible mark on her community.
Born on February 26, 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Helen Tueting Onken and William Henry Onken III, Susan was actively involved in numerous clubs and activities growing up, laying the foundation for a lifetime of volunteerism. She graduated from Withrow High School in 1960 and furthered her education at Duke University, where she studied nursing.
Upon returning to Cincinnati, she worked at the University of Cincinnati where she met her beloved husband, Dr. Ralph Edward Fleck, Jr., then a medical student. They married in 1968 and later moved to Georgia– first to Atlanta for her husband's residency, and then to Carrollton in 1977, where she supported him as he began his medical career and founded the Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic.
Susan's vibrant spirit shone through in every facet of her life. Her love for fashion led her to open The Clothes Trunk, which she successfully ran for nearly a decade in Carrollton. Equally enthusiastic about travel, she regularly set off on adventures around the world. An accomplished runner, she completed the New York City Marathon along with many other races and regularly enjoyed playing bridge, tennis and mahjong with family and friends.
Susan's commitment to community service was both profound and far-reaching. She played an integral role in numerous charitable organizations, serving on the boards of the Tanner Medical Foundation, Friends of the Association of Remarkable Citizens, Community Foundation of West Georgia, the University of West Georgia Board of Trustees, the Carroll County Emergency Shelter, the Carrollton Cotillion, and the Maple Leaf and Spade and Trowel Garden Clubs. Additionally, she was a longtime member of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church where she served on the vestry.
Beyond her leadership roles, Susan was a true servant at heart. One of her most meaningful roles was volunteering at Tanner Hospice, where her presence provided comfort to patients in their time of need. Over the years, she generously devoted her time and resources to initiatives with the Junior League of Dekalb County, St. Margaret's Community Outreach, Alice's House, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, the Child Advocacy Center, FERST Readers, and the Carroll/Haralson Medical Alliance. In addition, she founded the Great Strides Walk of West Georgia to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and remained an active member of the Lit-Mu Club and the Rotary Club of Carrollton.
Throughout her life, Susan dedicated herself to supporting countless charities, raising millions of dollars over four decades to further their causes. Her efforts built essential facilities and developed programs that have changed many lives. Yet, one of her greatest contributions was inspiring the next generation of volunteers and philanthropic leaders. She led by example, always encouraging others to get involved and carry the torch. Quoting an ancient Chinese proverb, she once said, "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." This belief fueled her conviction that there was always more to be done in serving her community. Through her actions and words, she urged those around her to "get to work," epitomizing the Rotary motto "service above self" and demonstrating that true community service is bigger than individual contributions.
In recognition of her work, she was named the 1998 Georgia Volunteer of the Year and the 2007 Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. She also received the 2001 Regional Sertoma Service to Mankind Award and was celebrated with the 2018 Cystic Fibrosis Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, she was recognized with the Tanner Spirit of Giving Award.
Beyond her community work, Susan was an incredibly devoted wife, mother and grandmother, cherishing every moment with her family. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in sports and other activities–never missing an opportunity to cheer them on and celebrate every milestone with pride.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Dr. Ralph Edward Fleck, Jr; her daughter, Nicole Fleck Collins; son and daughter-in-law, Ralph Edward Fleck, III (Laurie); and daughter and son-in-law, Meghan Fleck Sullivan (Swede). She is also survived by her sister, Kathy Onken Hocking, and sister and brother-in-law, Barbara Onken Stough (Michael). She leaves behind six grandchildren–Jeffrey Haas Vaughn, Jr., Charlotte Ruth Collins, Emilie Nicole Fleck, Ralph Edward Fleck, IV, Michael Swede Sullivan, Jr., and William Ramsey Sullivan–along with many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to Susan's primary caregiver, Connie Ransby, and Kristen Doyle, whose devoted care and compassion brought comfort in her final years.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 2pm at Carrollton First Methodist Church, with the Very Rev. Jeff Jackson presiding. The family will receive friends for a celebration of life reception following the service at Sunset Hills Country Club.
In honor of Susan's deep commitment to charitable giving, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Community Foundation of West Georgia Susan Fleck Memorial Fund. Contributions will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and local non-profit organizations that serve Carroll County's greatest needs.
Link to fund: https://bit.ly/susanfleckmemorial or scan the QR code below.
Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com
Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.