Susanne Graham

SUSANNE MALLARD GRAHAM

Grinnell

Susanne Mallard Graham, 91, died peacefully Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016. She was at home in Grinnell surrounded by her loving family.

Sue was born on May 18, 1924, in Sumter, S.C., to James and Annie Mallard. She grew up in Sumter and graduated from Edmunds High School and earned her B.A. from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Sue married Benjamin F. Graham Jr. on June 14, 1947, in Sumter. They raised four children together. Sue taught elementary school in Grinnell for 23 years influencing countless students.

Sue often expressed her gratitude for the extensive network of wonderful, smart, caring friends she developed through "Sit and Knit," Entre Nous, bridge club, arts council work, Grinnell Community Theater, the Mayflower and Grinnell College. Sue was known far and wide for her southern charm, great stories and beautiful spirit. She was also a prolific artisan, creating hundreds of sweaters, hats, bead projects and much more.

Predeceasing Sue were her parents; a sister, Ruth; her husband; a granddaughter, Shauna Regan; and her in-laws, Benjamin and Jennie Graham.

Surviving to celebrate her life are her children, Ben Graham (Rosalie), Anne Suggs (Larry), David Graham (Frank Appleton) and Jamie Graham; daughter-in-law, Debbie Twito; grandchildren, Andrew Suggs (Stephenie), Christopher Graham (Elise), Sarah Graham and Leah Whiteside; great-grandchildren, Grady Suggs, Eleanor Susanne Suggs, Rebecca Regan, Lindsey Whiteside and Emily Kelly; her brother, James Mallard Jr. and family; and nephews, Peter Graves (Sharon) and Robert Graves (Elaine).

There will be a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, in the Sebring-Lewis Recital Hall located in the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts at Grinnell College.

Memorials may be directed to Drake Library or Grinnell Regional Hospice, mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.