Elizabeth (Sue) Shidler

Susie Elizabeth Watson Shidler was born on April 15, 1912 in Lake Charles, Louisiana the night the Titanic was sinking in the Atlantic Ocean. She went home to her Dear Heavenly Father on Easter morning, April 4, 2010, only eleven days short of her ninety-eighth birthday.

She graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1929. She attended Louisiana College in Pineville, then later she received an education degree from SLI (now ULL). She taught elementary school for over twenty years. She and her family were original members of Trinity Baptist Church. She was the last remaining charter member of Trinity. Sue loved serving her church in many capacities throughout the years.

Sue met her husband, Eugene W. Shidler, while on vacation in Superior, Arizona. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Gene soon joined the Army during World War II. After a whirlwind romance, Sue became a war bride and continued teaching in Lake Charles during the two-and-a-half years that Gene was overseas. After he returned from the war, they moved to California, then later settled in Lake Charles where Gene opened L.G. Watson & Sons Hardware Store, and they raised their three children.

After her retirement from teaching and the death of her beloved husband of thirty years, she volunteered throughout the community. She led the Sunday morning services at Rosewood Rest Home for many years and also served at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. She enjoyed taking classes of interest at McNeese. She loved music and sang in the Messiah and Louisiana Choral Foundation choirs. Sue and her friends loved attending many cultural events such as the symphony, the arts, and plays. She loved to read and had a great interest in politics. She also enjoyed many years of traveling. In her later years, she loved to attend the JOY (Just Older Youth) luncheons at Trinity.

She is survived by her son, Alvin Shidler of Houston, Texas; her granddaughter, Sandy Stevens; grandson, David Shidler and great-grandson, Nicolas Shidler, all of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Her daughters include, Susan Cormier and husband, Dr. Mike Cormier of Lake Charles, and Karen Fuljenz and husband, Mike Fuljenz; grandchildren, Jake and Katie Fuljenz of Beaumont, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Hazel Watson; her brothers, Gilbert, Francis and Albert Watson, and her husband, Gene Shidler.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful helpers and friends at Villa Maria where she lived after Hurricane Rita destroyed her home. They would also like to thank all the kind and caring staff at St. Patrick Hospital.

Her funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Rev. Larry Ramsour will officiate. Burial will be in Prien Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. til time of service on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, Louisiana College, The Baptist Foreign Mission Board, or the Charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com