Susan Selby Pepperdine, 74, a longtime independent public relations executive in the Kansas City area, died unexpectedly Saturday, March 26th, at her home in Fairway, Kansas.

Services will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2nd, at Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City, MO. A reception at the Sheraton-Kansas City Plaza hotel will immediately follow. The family requests attendees dress colorfully, in memory of Susan's vibrant life.

The consummate professional in her chosen field of work, Susan tirelessly advocated for personal and universal causes and loyally supported her many, many friends and others who will cherish her memory.

She was born Susan Kay Selby on January 23, 1948, to Forrest and Virginia (Backer) Selby in Quincy, Illinois. After graduating from Quincy Senior High School, she earned her Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri in 1969 after just 3 years of studies that also included coursework at Quincy (Illinois) College, William Jewell College and Kansas State University.

Settling in the Kansas City area, she worked at Hallmark Cards and Crown Center Advertising, Marketing Resources of America, Barkley Evergreen and Kansas City Power & Light (now Evergy).

In 1992, she opened her own firm, Pepperdine and Associates, providing public relations and marketing communications for local, national and international clients. "When I was growing up, my dad – a super salesman himself – always said I was a born promoter," Susan recalled once. "It's true, there's nothing I enjoy more than getting great coverage for one of my clients."

Beyond work, Susan advocated for animal causes. She co-founded and served as president of Animal-Kind from 1973 to 1986, she served on the board of directors of the Humane Society of the United States from 1984 to 1990 and supported the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.

She also actively served as a board member of the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, where her father is honored. Susan volunteered for several military veterans' groups including Friends in Service of Heroes, the Heartland Honor Flight and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Susan also supported the Common Cause since 1973, the Girl Scouts, the Kansas City Freelance Exchange, and Kids and Cars. Susan devoted her limited free time to Jazzercize.

Susan's parents, husband Larry Pepperdine, stepfather Noel Campbell, stepbrother Bruce Campbell and her adopted uncle Dorwin Lamkin, whom she met through her involvement with veterans' associations, preceded her in death.

She is survived by three stepchildren: Kimberly, Cheryl and Bradley; grandchildren Jamie McCarthy (Sean), Veronica Wilson (Brandon) and three great-grandchildren: Logan and Alanna McCarthy and Miles Wilson.

Susan is also survived by her sister Virginia Dayle Mixer (Devon), brother Kenneth Selby (Carol), stepsisters Kay Criley (David) and Nancy Rude, stepbrother Clark Campbell (Glenda) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Susan's causes Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri, National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, and Kids and Cars, Inc.

Cremation provided by Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-Whig on Apr. 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Pepperdine

Sponsored by Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri - Kansas City.

7 Entries

Liz Craig

June 27, 2023

Susan had many friends, some of whom she met by simply saying "Hi." She always tried to replace any friends who passed on with new friends. She befriended women of all ages, including one friend who was over 90 years old, with whom she enjoyed concerts at the Sprint Center (especially Bon Jovi). She was a kind and caring person, and I'm glad to have been one of her friends.

Diane Lammers Hetler

October 16, 2022

I just learned of Susan's passing and am so sorry. I knew Susan when we worked together years ago at Marketing Resources in the 80's and over the years I would bump into her time and again at various events and she was always such a pleasure to talk to - always with a smile and lots of things she was involved with. She was a great lady. My heartfelt symthathy to her loved ones.

Sheila Dees

July 8, 2022

I´m so heart broken hearing about Susan. I know this post is dated but I´m in shock. She was a wonderful person, activist and friend. Rest In Peace my friend.
Sheila Dees
Arkansas

Mitchell Peil

April 4, 2022

My condolences to the family and friends of Susan's. Her sister, Dayle Mixer is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Blue Springs, MO of which I attend as well. As a class, we understand how families are affected by a passing of any family member and always pray for God's peace and hope to all.

Gerri (Fennell) Hesketh

April 2, 2022

Susan and I met in a book group, networked and occasionally encountered one another through common interests and acquaintances over the years. Susan was articulate, thoughtful and personable. My condolences to her family, friends and associates.

Debra K Rose

April 2, 2022

Services provided by cremation services of Missouri and Kansas, Prairie Village, KS

Karen Schneider

March 31, 2022

Friend and former classmate at Quincy High School.
Prayers for Susie's family and friends

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