Susan "Sue" Gerhart

The world lost a woman of substance and beauty on August 24, 2025, in Bend, Oregon. Susan (Sue) Gerhart passed away after a devastating stroke, her fifteenth stroke over the last eight years. She repeatedly rehabilitated back to her best self after the earlier strokes with courage and determination. Sue was born in Minneapolis, MN in 1941, and married her husband of 58 years in 1967. She raised three caring and productive children. The love and care Sue gave to her children and family was immense and unconditional. She hosted many family events with grace and a beautiful megawatt smile. Sue cherished and enjoyed every moment spent with her grandchildren and great grandchild. At retirement, Sue was Manager of Public Relations at Ore-Ida Foods, Boise, ID. She was a highly recognized, dedicated and accomplished employee. She published an employee newsletter which won many national awards for content and composition. She initiated and managed the Ore-Ida Tater Tot Tennis Tournament for Idaho children. Sue was instrumental in getting the concept of the Ore-Ida Woman's Challenge International Bicycle Race presented before the Ore-Ida management board. The race was an annual international event for many years. She also started and managed an annual Christmas Party for special needs children. She loved Christmas and one of her varied talents was decorating Christmas trees. Many organizations utilized her skill to decorate unique themed Christmas trees. Her hobbies included interior decorating, oil painting, sewing, tennis, hiking and officiating at track and field meets. She enjoyed playing cards and usually won most games. Her parents and one brother preceded Sue in death. She is survived by her husband, three children, two grandchildren, one great grandchild, a brother, a nephew and niece. Per Susan's request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sue's name to your charity of choice or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home of Bend, Oregon was honored to handle the arrangements. 541-382-2471. Please sign the online guestbook at www.niswonger-reynolds.com