Susan Lynn Challender

Susan Lynn Challender, 46, who tolerated being called Susie only by her family, died unexpectedly Sunday, December 25, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center, of a hemorrhagic stroke.

From the warrior bands tattooed on her upper arms to her search for a spiritual base outside traditional religion, Susan didn’t believe life was meant to be spent following others down well-traveled paths. She boldly leapt wherever her heart and intellectual curiosity led her, whether it was shooting darts, raising bees, or playing Skyrim.

Susan was a writer and poet who loved exploring the wonders of nature, whether she was gardening, watching finches at the feeder or shooting photos of the wildlife she chanced across while hiking. She had a degree in history from Drake University and a second degree in accounting computer systems from DMACC that was nearly complete. But out of everything she had achieved in her life, she considered her greatest accomplishments to be her daughters, Sarah and Rachel.

In addition to Sarah and Rachel, Susan is survived by her mother, Margaret Challender; sisters, Rose (Jeff) Richman and Mary Challender; brothers, Jim (Deb) and Tom (Robin) Challender; nieces and nephews, Jeff, John, Jacob, and Natasha Richman and Christian, Amber, Austin, Braidan, and Brooklyn Challender; aunt, Donna Sitzman; cousins, Bill, Bob, and David Watson, and Patty Cowden; and many beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Winfield Thomas “Tom” Challender; who we hope, at this moment, is sitting at her side in heaven, listening to her explain Skyrim.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.

Memorial contributions may be made to Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, 12701 University Avenue, Clive, IA 50325, for an education fund for Sarah and Rachel.

Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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