Susan Evelyn Garner (Stenzel), affectionately known as “Susie,” passed away peacefully at home in Westminster on May 17, 2026, at the age of 78.

Susan was born on December 23, 1947, in Cedar Rapids. From an early age, she developed the caring, hardworking, and dependable spirit that would define her entire life. Above all else, Susan loved God, loved her husband Ron, and loved her family with everything she had.

She dedicated her life to caring for others. Whether through her work, her church, her neighborhood, or her home, Susan was always serving someone. She worked in many different roles throughout her life, including as Branch Manager for Chicago Title and Office Manager at Superior Manufacturing. She also worked as a legal typist and handled title and insurance work. Susan intentionally sought jobs with flexible schedules because being present for her children and grandchildren mattered more to her than titles or recognition.

Susan faithfully attended church and Bible studies during the last decade of her life. Her faith in Jesus Christ shaped the way she lived. She prayed faithfully for each member of her family and desired deeply that every one of them would know Christ personally.

She served with the Civil Air Patrol as a pilot and participated on her HOA social committee. Yet even with these accomplishments, Susan never sought credit or attention. She simply loved helping people.

Susan had a gift for hospitality. She and Ron became well known for hosting Christmas Eve gatherings and opening their home for holidays and celebrations throughout the years. She loved creating beautiful experiences for others, whether through hosting dinners, traveling with family, mountain drives to see the fall colors, or annual family trips that became treasured memories

More than anything, Susan will be remembered for the quiet consistency of her love. She showed up again and again for her children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. She sacrificed endlessly to provide for those she loved and never wanted anything for herself. Her laughter, positivity, servant’s heart, and dependable presence touched countless lives.

Susan is survived by her beloved husband Ronald V. Newell; her children Cherie Newell-Gardner, Jake Garner, and Abbey Todd; her grandchildren Nathan Garner, Jessica Newell-Gardner, Devin Todd, David Todd, Nicholas Newell-Gardner, and Bryson Garner; and her great-granddaughter Aspen Garner.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Don Stenzel, Alice Easterday, Jane Simpson, and Betty Zell.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation with a reception immediately following from 12:00–2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Familia.

Susan’s family takes comfort knowing that the woman who spent her life loving and serving others is now at peace in the presence of the Savior she loved so dearly.