Susan Kay Cox

Susan Kay Cox passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home and loving care of her children Jodi (Cox) McLaughlin and Jeffrey Cox, and sister Nancy Wells, September 14, 2024 in Grand Junction, CO at the age of 78. Sue was born March 13, 1946 in Indianapolis. After graduating Franklin Central High School, Sue majored in Home Economics at Purdue University, and went on to earn a Master's Degree at the University of Minnesota in Psychology. Her sense of adventure and curiosity took her north to Alaska to pursue her PhD where she survived a serious and fateful accident on the Taylor Highway near the rugged Alaska-Canada border. A helicopter airlift into Fairbanks opened an unexpected chapter where she met Russell Cox, an X-ray Tech from Debeque, CO, whom she married February 26, 1972. They made Alaska home for the next 25 years, before Sue enjoyed "snowbirding" to Arizona for 8 years, and ultimately retired to Grand Junction in the loving embrace of Russ’s family her last 20 years.

Sue was proud of being an Alaskan and reveled in its unique lifestyle moose hunting, berry picking, and creating remarkable traditional garments as favorite pastimes. She was a talented and humble seamstress, holding her craft to exacting standards. She sewed parkas, kuspuks, and mukluks; and she knitted or crocheted hats, mittens, blankets, and scarves. Her passion for creative endeavors never faded as she enjoyed many years of quilting in retirement. Treasured handcrafted moose hide and fur mittens and down feather sleeping bags from the 1970s still warm loved ones on frigid Alaskan adventures today, a testament to their exceptional quality. She was an avid reader losing herself in good stories every evening, and as her vision waned, she enjoyed audiobooks for many years. Sue embraced motherhood while recovering from her first of three hip replacements. Her innovation continued making beautiful costumes and clothing for her family, and even her own snowmobile “bun warmers” and special facemasks for adventures at the family cabin on Lost Lake. Here she taught her kids to play Hearts while listening to the Gold King hockey games on the radio under propane and fire light at 40 below zero. Sue worked from home as a medical transcriptionist on her typewriter for hours each morning, and managed two neighborhood rental homes. Sue’s interest in emerging technology inspired her to become a small business owner pioneering the first computerized embroidery in Alaska, Sew Special, until it outgrew her home. She eventually retired from public service as an Adult Probation Officer for the State of Alaska, a role she approached with dedication and integrity that she found both intriguing and fulfilling.

Sue experienced a stroke prior to turning 50 leading to years of challenging recovery, particularly with speech. She rediscovered her passion for playing Bridge in Fairbanks, Mesa, and Grand Junction with many special partners. Sue ultimately traveled the country playing in national tournaments to achieve Life Master in duplicate Bridge, and was described as having a great laugh and delightful to play with and against. Sue was always planning her next trip. She traveled with family and friends throughout her life across the country by RV, from Key West to Alaska to Newfoundland, and across the world on nearly 20 cruises from China to Cape Horn to the South Pacific to Scandinavia and beyond. Countless trips to Disneyworld delighted Sue to share with her grandkids, kids, sister, brother-in-law, and friends. She held a special affection for Hawaii, and most recently enjoyed the Panama Canal and seeing Southeast Asia on her last travel adventures leaving her family with lasting memories of her zest for seeing and learning about the world. Her Grandchildren will remember Gramma Sue always enjoying a Mickey Bar or ice cream after dinner.

Sue held a profound unwavering sense of independence even in adversity. Her honesty and directness were tempered with a compassionate nature that fostered meaningful connections and lasting bonds with friends and family she cared for deeply. Close to Sue’s heart were the Serenity Prayer and belief in giving children roots and wings. Sue leaves a legacy defined by strength and resilience; curiosity and exploration; compassion and loyalty that will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her. Sue is survived by her children Jodi & Sean McLaughlin and Jeff Cox & Lisa Mitchell, grandchildren Molly & Megan McLaughlin, Madison Cox, and Aidan Knapton, her sister and sisters and brothers in law Nancy & Harv Wells, Kenny Cox, Pudge & Julia Cox, Dan & Joyce Peugh, Tim Cox, and many loved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Russell Cox, parents Robert and Gladys Smith and brother Larry Smith. In honor of Sue’s wish for no dark clothes or long faces, we will celebrate her life wearing bright colors she enjoyed on Sunday, November 24th, at 1:00 PM at Callahan Edfast Funeral Home, located in Grand Junction.