Susan Jane Ewing

Susan Jane Ewing, 82, of Polk City, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Kavanaugh House in Des Moines on April 22, 2025.

Born on October 9, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, Susan was the daughter of Lyle and Naomi (Burgess) Risvold. She grew up in Elkhart, Iowa, before settling in Polk City with Erwin Ewing, whom she married on August 12th, 1961. Susan’s life was marked by her deep love for her family and the joy she found in nurturing those around her. Her greatest love was for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She lived by her faith in all things she did.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Erwin Ewing, and her parents, Lyle and Naomi Risvold. Susan’s legacy of love and devotion lives on through her beloved husband, Jerry Kauffman, whom she married on September 21, 2013. She worked for Pioneer for over 30 years. Susan’s children, Lisa (Curtis) Crawford, Jon (Amy) Ewing, and Eric (Susan) Ewing, will forever cherish her boundless love, unwavering support, and wisdom. She also leaves behind her step-children, Krystal (JD) Calderon and Shawn (Amber) Kauffman, whom she welcomed with open arms and a full heart.

As a grandmother and great-grandmother, Susan found her greatest joy in her growing family. She was the proud grandmother of Chad (Tammy) Crawford, Callie (Bruce) Morrow, Cara (Casey) Sanders, Anna (Nate) Miller, James (Lily) Ewing, Jacob (Hannah) Ewing, Emily (John) Ewing, Abby (Hunter) Crannell, and Taylor Ewing and 17 great grandchildren. She was also a loving step-grandmother to Olivia, Christian, Noah, Johnny, Jace, and Rhett, who brought her immense joy and pride.

Susan is also survived by her brother, David (Judy) Risvold, and her sister, Martha (John) Sheldahl, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who were fortunate to know her.

Susan was a woman of great strength, love, and compassion. She embraced life with an open heart and an infectious smile that could brighten any room. Her family and friends will forever remember her as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend—someone whose love knew no bounds and whose kindness will never be forgotten.

Family will greet friends Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Memorial service will take place the following day, Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Lakeside Fellowship, 1121 W Bridge Road in Polk City with internment to follow at Union Cemetery, 9946 NW Lake Drive in Polk City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kavanaugh House in Des Moines in recognition of the loving care they provided Susan during her final days.

Susan’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved her, and her memory will be cherished for generations to come. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love of those who went before her.

Print