Susan R. Garner

HANNA-Mrs. Susan (Susie) Rae (Burnham) Garner died peacefully in her home on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 4:45 a.m., surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 63 years of age. Susie is survived by her loving husband and high school sweetheart, Terry L. Garner; sons, Brian (Casi) Garner of Hanna, Keith (Norma) Garner of Hanna and Greg Garner of Valparaiso; six grandchildren, Tyler Bridegroom, Myia Garner, Kenneth Garner, Allee Garner, Carmen Garner and Gabby Garner; brothers, Gary (Connie) Burnham of Michigan City and Roger Burnham of Hanna; and sister, Nancy Redweik of Lexington, KY. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Lois Burnham of Wanatah; paternal grandparents, Forest and Mary Ellen Burnham of Highmore, SD; and maternal grandparents, Harry and Edna Saylor of Hamlet. Susie was born July 25, 1953 in Pierre, SD to Dale and Lois (Saylor) Burnham. She graduated from South Central Jr./Sr. High School in 1971. She married Terry L. Garner, her high school sweetheart on September 9, 1972. After Terry and Susie married, they made their home in Hanna. Susie began working for United Telephone Company in Knox as a switchboard operator. After her time with the telephone company, Susie spent 30 years working for the Unites States Postal Service, covering Hanna, Kouts, Valparaiso, North Judson, Kingsford Heights and Union Mills. Over 13 years the couple welcomed three children into their home. Susie was very active with 4-H and supporting her sons' sporting events and endeavors. Susie was a loving mother and cherished every moment she had with her sons. They enjoyed family vacations, camping, baking cakes, 4-H and spending time at the fair and going to work with their mother. Susie was a skilled baker and enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for everyone's birthday. She always made everyone feel so special with their favorite cake or pie every birthday. Susie was generous with her time, being a member of several volunteer organizations. She was passionate about helping others. She was an active member of the Davis Wesleyan Church and the Wesleyan Women's Organization. She was a 10 year 4-H member; a member of the Republican Party and the Republican Women's Club, and the South County Gleaner Arbor. She was also a member of the American Postal Workers Union AFL-CIO. Susie was a kind, gentle and loving woman who always worried and cared about everyone else. She was a doting grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren. She enjoyed her special time with each of her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all she served and all who loved her. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. (Central Time) at the Davis Wesleyan Church of Hamlet with Pastor Bill Dixon officiating. Burial will follow at the Hanna Cemetery. Friends may visit Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT at Rannells Funeral Home, Hamlet Chapel and Thursday at the church one hour prior to the service. Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate Susie's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Davis Wesleyan Church, 439 West 1500 South, Hamlet, Indiana 46532. The family would like to thank Harbor Light Hospice for their efforts, care and dedication during this difficult time.