Susan L. Stratton, of Niles

Published 9:17 am Wednesday, March 13, 2019

April 5, 1969 — March 10, 2019

Susan L. Stratton, life-long resident of Niles, passed away peacefully at 10:55 p.m. with loved ones beside her on Sunday, March 10, 2019, in Grand Rapids. She was born to Billy M. and Jeri L. Smith (nee Swartz), both of Niles, on April 5, 1969. She was 49 years young.

Susie graduated Niles Sr. High School in 1988, at which time she started working at Sheller-Globe Factory. She became a stay at home Mom for several years and loved caring for her daughter and nieces. She worked for Bodeck 7.5 years until they closed, then worked at L.A.D.D. — her favorite place to work due to her amazing co-workers.

Susan L. Stratton

Susie was a gifted and talented artist often painting for local schools and businesses. She enjoyed painting bird houses, crocheting, and various crafts including Christmas ornaments. Family was her biggest passion, especially raising a family of her own. She loved animals especially the cats and dogs close to her heart — Chacha, Shotzy, Ralphie and Sammy.

She will be remembered by her cheerful and warm personality as well as her beautiful smile. She was very kind, loving, giving, thoughtful, generous and loyal. We will blame it on being an Aries, but Susie was quite stubborn throughout her whole life, but easy to forgive.

Susie had been very sick for some time, but fought courageously with a smile on her beautiful face until the end. She will be missed by so many friends and family.

She leaves behind her daughter Sara Stratton, granddaughter Nova Stratton (who called her MeMaw), both of Niles, sisters Shelly Williams (Charlie), of Overland Park, Kansas, Stacey Smith (Jeremy Norton), of Niles, Sandy Payne (Scott), of Goodyear, Arizona, nieces Autumn (Alicia), Alli Williams, Lauren Payne, nephew Nick Williams, special cousins Ryan Swartz and Courtney Swartz, and the love of Susan’s life Keith Jedlowski.

Susie has requested a celebration of life to be hosted in her honor at a later date in lieu of a funeral. Cremation has taken place at McGann Hay in South Bend.