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BORN
1952
DIED
2010
Sue Atkins Obituary
Sue was born on March 3, 1952, in Wisconsin to Mary Ann and Arthur Critchfield. She came to Fairbanks in 1958 with her parents and her brother, David.
While in Alaska, she lived in Fairbanks and Central. She loved the outdoors and the freedom Alaska provided. Sue loved to live the adventure, whether it be racking up wins racing snowmachines, four-wheeling up to her cabin "on the creek," or dipping reds in Chitina, if it got your blood pumping, she was in it.
Sue enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family. It didn't matter if it was Christmas, a birthday party, or an impromptu working party; it was always a big event. She never saw a wall that couldn't be taken down to create a more inviting space to bring people closer together.
Sue had many talents. She loved designing and making her own clothes, comforters and keepsake pillows. Her passion was working with clay and making gifts for her loved ones. Her favorite was designing and creating bears to represent special life events for the person she made them for. Santa and Mrs. Claus "Bear" will always adorn the Christmas decor of her loved ones' homes.
Sue was chief accountant at Usibeli Coal and then at Independent Lumber. She started her own business as a financial adviser and tax consultant.
Sue was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Critchfield; her grandmother, Edna Critchfield; and many aunts and uncles.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Crystina of Anchorage; sons, Lee Atkins of New Jersey and Adam Dunlap of Fairbanks; her brothers, David Critchfield and Gary Critchfield; her mother, Mary Ann Eberhardt; her stepfather, Walt Eberhardt; her stepbrother, David Eberhardt and Debbie; her stepbrother, Wayn Eberhardt and Christie; and her many nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service for Sue at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cardiology Clinic, 1650 Cowles St., Fairbanks, AK 99701.
Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sue Atkins
Marsha Taylor
December 30, 2020
Sue were the best she a powerful woman.and I like sue way about life out there .rip sue Atkins
Craig Rees
October 18, 2018
I'm gutted I'm disabled she brought me life only just learned she had passed I'm gutted I feel sick
Kandy Henely
July 30, 2018
She was very brave pioneer and loved the series
David Critchfield
January 27, 2011
I would like to thank everyone who has signed into this guest book. Thank you for your heartfelt messages. We will miss Sue and look forward to seing her again.
Crystina Atkins
January 8, 2011
My mom brought so much joy and peace into people's lives in those she touched. Without her strength, her passion, and her strong will I would not be the woman I am today, and I have her to thank for that. She saved my life, and brought me back from a world of illness and danger. If she hadn't brought me to the ocean on that frantic night in the P.I. and prayed to god like she never prayed before, I could not say whether or not I would be here today.
I love you mom.... famous quote from our book....
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my Mommy you'll be.
Mary Silides Johnston
January 4, 2011
Sue was a classmate. I am sorry to learn of her passing. My condolences to her family.
W. P. Moore
January 4, 2011
Oh, My Darling Sue, I will "AlWAYS" Love & Cherish You !
I know you're joined by Buddy & Art as you make the Journey of Life.
Sue gained the respect of all, and especially the Love of Children.
She never lacked appreciation of Mother Earth nor failed to express it.
I always knew the colors surrounding her or how gently the snow fell.
She's everywhere; with the rising Sun and the Shooting Stars at nite.
Her Excellence in each & every task; was the only way she knew, only by giving the Best of herself, she naturally inspired others, but has given me an Eye for the Miraculous !
The Lord has blessed me with the time we had, the dreams we shared, what was & what will never be, and still what MAY BE !
I'll Cherish You Sue, for Enternity My Darling !
Love Morsey & Taxi
Adam my biggest "R" is we didn't get to talk, maybe later .
Chuck and kids
January 3, 2011
As we travel through life we come and go from each others lives, touching hearts and making memories that live forever. Until we meet again Young Lady! Cuzin ,Chuck
Sonja A. Stovall
January 3, 2011
My Dear Friend - You will Forever be in my Heart!! I already Miss You more then anyone knows. You will be greatly missed here, but I know those who were waiting for you have embraced you once more with the love they had here on earth for you. I have peace knowing you are no longer in pain and are walking with those you Love!
Sheri & Dave Barker
January 2, 2011
We know that Sue will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a true "wilderness woman" -- a character from the long ago past. We will never forget our wonder at the house she and Christina were building when we visited them in Fairbanks 10 years ago. They were creating an attractive, welcoming home out of the remains of other buildings. We were awestruck by the time, effort and multiple talents exhibited in the project. May the memories of Sue's energy, enthusiasm and "can do" spirit comfort you in this time of loss. She has definitely left an enduring legacy for those who knew her!
January 1, 2011
I remember her well The over the hill 4x4 parties in Central and her bed and breakfast. George Hiller Guam
January 1, 2011
My sympathy goes out to all Sue's family. I have many memories of Sue (my cousin) when Aunt Mary Ann and Sue spent some time with my family in Grafton, WI, back when we were children. Kathy (Barker) Mielke - Random Lake, WI
January 1, 2011
Although I have not seen Sue for many years my memories of our friendship as children stay with me always. She was a wonderful caring girl who I missed very much when she moved to Alaska with her family. Jennie (Barker) Moze Fort Lauderdale, FL
December 30, 2010
Donna Corey-Sanders
December 29, 2010
Sue was a wonderful & very talented person. She helped to make so many of us friends shine in Mary Kay when she was our director. I personally enjoyed working with her during those times & learned so much from her. Vonnie, Sonia & I loved to go to central & spend the day with her & Christina at their beautiful cabin. My children loved to take care of her dog Bo when she lived in Fairbanks.
I along with so many others will miss her very much.
May she rest in peace & enjoy spending time in heaven without sickness & brighten the souls there as she did here on earth.
I know that Sue, Vonnie, Mary Kay Ashe & her family are having a wonderful time reuniting.
Donna "Corey" Sanders
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