Susan Ann Roberts

Susan Ann Roberts, age 69, of Manawa, passed away suddenly of natural causes on Saturday, February 1, 2025. She was born in New London on August 29, 1955, daughter of the late Henry and Shirley (Jepson) Lorge. On October 26, 1974, she was united in marriage to Leo Roberts.

Susan never sat still for long; she was always juggling multiple projects, always finding new ways to give of herself. Her optimism and generosity knew no bounds. She had an open heart for everyone she met, accepting people just as they were. Her kindness extended not only to her family and close friends but also to those she had just met, making everyone feel like they belonged. She was thoughtful, curious and playful, equally at home in serious conversations about world events or sharing a story that filled the room with her distinctive, joyful laugh.

A gifted and passionate seamstress, Susan found purpose in helping others feel special through her craft. Whether it was restoring a cherished garment or creating something new, she poured love into every stitch. It was never just about the sewing-it was about the people, their stories, and the connections she built along the way. Her kindness often meant she refused payment for projects when she knew someone was in need. She also loved researching family history, not just for herself but for anyone struggling to uncover their own roots, happily sharing what she learned.

One of the earliest examples of Susan's dedication to others was her role as an Ombudsman for the families of the USS Conquest in the 1980s. She arranged gatherings, organized cookie decorating parties, and provided support to families with loved ones at sea-always ensuring no one felt alone. In her many retail roles, she uplifted customers and coworkers alike with her positivity. Most recently, her quiet humility was evident when the family discovered she had been honored by the local fire department for assisting them with a uniform project-she had never mentioned the recognition, simply happy to have helped.

If you needed Susan, she was there. She never sought credit, just gave from her heart. She faced life's challenges, including multiple cancer diagnoses, with unshakable optimism. To those lucky enough to know and love her, she was a guiding light of generosity, humility, and love.

Susan is survived by her husband, Leo; daughters: Jessica (Randy) Beckendorf and April Meyer (Will Bork); siblings: Harry (Kathy) Lorge, Sandi (Ken) Bernard, Roger Lorge, and Nancy Kamke; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jim (Leticia) Roberts, Don (Sandi) Roberts, and Tim (Brittney) Roberts; and her Naval family: Debbie (Jerry) Smith, Brandy and Amanda. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews, including great and great-great-nieces and nephews, as well as special friends of the family, Miranda and Josh Smith and family, Misty Meyer, and Chad & Mackenzie Gruenwald.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, JoAnn (Earl) Shepard; brother, Morris Lorge; son-in-law, Shawn Meyer; sister-in-law, Cathy (Robert) Burns; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Esther Lenore Foy and Kenneth Cecil Roberts; and brother-in-law, Rickie Kamke Sr.

A Memorial Service for Susan will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Dahlke Life Celebration Center in Manawa, with Rev. Jill Meyer officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held from noon until 1:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to assist with expenses.