Susan Ellen (Toepel) Alby

Susan “Sue” Ellen Toepel Alby, 85, of Lincoln, NE, passed away on August 19, 2023. She was born on June 9, 1938, in Chewelah, WA. She was the youngest daughter of three to Edith and Adelbert Toepel (deceased). Her siblings are brother Bert (Mildred) Toepel and sister Jean (Arnold) Schwantz (deceased).

Growing up in Chewelah, she was active in her community and crowned Miss Chewelah in her teenage years. She met the love of her life and future husband, Eugene “Gene” Alby (deceased), while in school. Sue attended Whitworth College and transferred to Washington State University after marrying Gene in 02/01/1958. After Gene graduated from WSU, his work as an engineer took them to Everett and Spokane, WA. They eventually moved to Lincoln, NE, in 1968, where they raised their family.

Sue, more affectionately called “Grandma Sue” or “G Sue” by her family, loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She took any opportunity to experience life’s joy with her loved ones. She loved traveling and traveled to Europe, Canada, New York City, South Dakota, Colorado, California, the Caribbean, and more. Sue worked for many years as a Buyer at the Miller and Paine department store (toys, records, luggage, etc.). This gave her an opportunity to frequently visit the Big Apple, accompanied by Gene and all her children at one time or another.

Grandma Sue loved music. She loved going with Gene to live performances as well as listening to music on tv or her Alexa in more recent times. She loved it all, two of her favorites were Mario Lanza and Johnny Cash. Over the years she amassed quite a collection of dolls and Coke-Cola memorabilia from working at Miller and Paine and London Bridge and from friends and family that knew her well. Grandma Sue was also an avid reader, and loved puzzles, board games, cards and was rarely without a Sudoku book close by. She could often be found playing Scrabble late into the evening with her grandchildren or solving her 15th Sudoku puzzle of the day. But spending time with family or friends whether entertaining or participating in this game or that, was truly one of her favorite things to do.

Along with her love of family, Grandma Sue held a strong commitment to her community and church, Sheridan Lutheran. She spent countless days with her eldest daughter, Sue, volunteering at Matt Talbot Kitchen. Together, they coordinated and served meals to hundreds of Lincolns most vulnerable on many weekends, and Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays. She loved Jesus attending church, hearing God’s word, and visiting with her friends. During the pandemic, she would always listen to services online. It is through this Fellowship and volunteer work that Sue formed great and memorable friendships.

Sue’s immediate family includes: Gene Alby (deceased); Randel (Eileen) Alby, their children Sarah (Austin) Stinson, their children Karter and Alexzander Stinson, Luke Alby, and Noah Alby (Fiancé Jessy Johnson); Brent (Nan) Alby; Brian (Eliza) Alby, their children Avery (Maggy) Alby, and Charlotte Alby; Susan Alby (deceased), her son Kenneth Alby; Nancy (Ric Enriquez) Alby, their children Janice Enriquez, Matthew Enriquez, and Emily Enriquez.

The family invites you to celebrate Grandma Sue’s life. Her funeral services will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Sheridan Lutheran Church at 10:30 AM. Please wear purple, this was her favorite color.