Susan Jo Woods

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Susan (Sue) Jo Woods who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Sue was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Susan knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Her parents were William Charles Mills and Evelin Marie Serry. Sue was raised in Hot Springs, SD. Even as a youngster, Sue learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Sue was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Sue was raised with three younger brothers, Robert Mills, Doug Mills, and Charlie Mills. Sue had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Sue, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Sue's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Sue enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Susan took part in basketball. She was a junior volunteer at the Hot Springs VA Center in her young life, and stayed as consistent volunteer in each of her committee s. In her spare time, she liked the play the piano and sew. Susan's memorable achievements included being crowned Miss Helpful at 16 in 1971 in the Hot Springs Miss Teenager Pageant.

In school, Sue was a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Sue was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Sue’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.

An objective and conscientious individual, Sue reveled in the security of her family. One of Sue’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Sue was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing, giving her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Sue's children consisted of, James and Megan Will, Jaylyn and Tyler Derickson, and Jaclyn Woods. Sue was also blessed with five grandkids, Isabelle Doughty Will, Oscar Daniel John Will, James Alan Derickson, Kennedy Mae Derickson, Lincoln John Derickson.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Sue was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Sue was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Sue upheld her standards. Sue was a special needs teacher/ teachers assistant for School District 11. Sue was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Sue approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Sue enjoyed gardening, sewing, and riding her Harley in her spare time. Sue was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Sue to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Sue played basketball. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Sue enjoyed watching professional football and every sport her kids and grandkids participated in.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Sue used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Sue had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included weekend getaways with the family to the mountains.

Sue was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Sue’s favorite pets was Kobuk, a Siberian Huskey. They were best friends for Kobuk was a family member for 13 years. Her family was rounded out by her grand puppy Gucci, who loved to sit on her legs and keep her warm.

Sue passed away on September 25, 2022, in the comfort of her home. Sue fought ovarian cancer for 7 years. She is survived by her husband, Barrett; children Jimmy, Jaylyn and Jaclyn; her grandchildren Isabelle, Oscar, James, Kennedy, and Lincoln; her brothers Bob, Doug and Charlie. Services were held at Mountainview Mortuary. Susan was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery.

All who knew her would agree that Sue was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Sue Woods did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

A funeral service for Susan will be held Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Mountain View Mortuary, 2350 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918. A committal service will occur Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expy, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. A reception will occur Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Woods Family Home, 1333 Lehmberg Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80915.

Susan will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expy., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Serving as pallbearers are Bob Mills, Douglas Mills, Charles Mills, James Will, Jr., Jaclyn Woods and Jaylyn Derickson.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MtViewMortuary.com for the Woods family.