Susan “Sue” Ruth Menz, age 76, passed away on December 27, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer, which she faced with her typical good nature. She was a resident of Westcliffe, Colorado for 12 years and was formerly a resident of Omaha, Nebraska. She spent the majority of her career as a computer programmer, starting out with punch cards and mainframe computers.
Sue (also known as “Grammy Sue” or “the Cookie Lady”) was born on February 25, 1948, to Bernhard Schmieder and Ruth (Wellner) in Ute, Iowa. Sue attended high school in Charter Oak, Iowa. On September 1, 1968, she married Brian Menz in Ute, Iowa after meeting in college at the University of Northern Iowa. Sue graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Mathematics, while raising her two children, Jeff and Kristi.
Sue’s love of the mountains began on a honeymoon trip to Rocky Mountain State Park and many subsequent summer camping trips. It eventually brought her to Westcliffe in her retirement, where she enjoyed daily hikes near her home. She also passed time by sewing quilts to donate to veteran’s organizations and homeless shelters, and baking for local fundraisers. She had a strong Christian faith, finding God everywhere in nature.
She is survived by her children: Jeff Menz of West Des Moines, Iowa, his wife, Jessica, and their children, Kaitlyn, Braden, and Isaac; Kristi Detweiler of Concord, Massachusetts, her husband, Sean, and their children, Carson and Alexa; her siblings: Bruce Schmieder, Joyce Lohoff, and Connie Doudy: and her ex-husband, Brian Menz. Her family finds comfort in her excitement to meet God in heaven, and to be reunited with those who preceded her in death, including her parents; and her brother, Anthony Schmieder.
A celebration of life will be announced and held, in Westcliffe, at a later date.
Sue’s kindness and generosity will be missed by all who knew her. Those wishing to pay it forward, as she so often did, can donate in her name to one of her favorite charities:
Mission Wolf, PO Box 1211, Westcliffe, Colorado 81252 (https://missionwolf.org), or to Patriotic Productions, 16213 Lamp Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68118 (https://www.patrioticproductions.org).
“Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy” – John Denver
Marsha Jividen
4 Jan 2025I remember Sue from high school, she graduated with my brother Rick Lane. I remember her well. My thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
Sandy Sanderson
4 Jan 2025I am so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. She was a neighbor of ours. My late husband, Vern and I always looked forward to her Christmas goodies. She was such a sweet lady with a good heart. She will be missed!
Connie DeCamp
4 Jan 2025Sue was a bright light to everyone who knew her. Quick to smile and quick to become your friend. I will miss you, Sue. Heaven has a new angel.