March 25, 1944 – October 7, 2018
Sue died on Sunday morning in her home surrounded by family. She was born Lonita Susan Valeu to Russell and Faye Valeu in Fort Madison, Iowa. She is proceeded in death by her parents and sisters Nadine Gilbert, Dixie Gray, and Jeanette Welch.
Her life long career of being a wife and mother started in 1961 when she married John West in Marion, Iowa when he was on leave from the Navy. There after came 2 daughters, Jackie and Traci. Sadly she was widowed in 1978.
Her working life consisted of part-time bookkeeping and secretarial positions until settling into the Counseling Office as an Administrative Assistant at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sue retired from the college after 17 years, without taking sick days wanting to save them to use as vacation days when the kids came to visit. While working at the college, she met Gary Carnahan and they married, sadly she was widowed again. Sue enjoyed embroidering tea towels, going out in cowboy boots and fringed leather jacket; dancing to live music on Friday nights, her dance card was always full. Saturdays were spent garage saling, maintaining her yard, appreciating the sunshine and birds. The thing Sue lived for and loved the most in life was her family.
Surviving are daughters, Jackie Bayer (Paul) and Traci West-Gray (Jeff) grandchildren are Jesse Engle (Cheryl), Larcen Carkhuff, Emily Bayer, Sloan Carkhuff and Michael Bayer; a greatgrand son Hayden Engle and her 4 legged babies Molli and Sassie. She will be missed greatly but forever in our hearts. Please keep checking Facebook for details about the upcoming celebration of Sue’s life event which will be held in Iowa.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 13 at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois from 2pm-5pm with the funeral service immediately starting at 5pm.