Susan Elaine Zimmerman

Sue attended Salem Heights Elementary School, Judson Junior High School, South Salem High School, and became part of the first graduating class at the brand new Sprague High School. She was crowned the first homecoming queen at Sprague her senior year in 1973.

Sue was a mother to four children. Sue married Dave Siddoway in 1976 and they had three children together before later divorcing. On September 10, 1994, Sue married Mike Zimmerman and they had one child together.

In high school, Sue had dreams of becoming a teacher, but college wasn’t an option so she went straight to work. As an adult with kids in school, Sue attended Chemeketa Community College, earning her Associates of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. She also studied sociology at Linfield College.

Sue started as a teacher and later became the director of First Presbyterian Child Development Center, where she worked for over 25 years. Sue created a welcoming atmosphere for children and families. Whenever a baby was fussy or a child was having behavior issues, Sue stepped in and always seemed to know how to help—she’d calm the colicky baby or help the child having a bad day, and she had a special talent for calming the anxieties of parents. Sue had an interest in horses and learned to ride as an adult, later enjoying the company of several horses for many years. Sue also enjoyed gardening, antiques, art, sewing, and crafts, and owned an antique mall in McMinnville for several years. She was a true maker who could pick up new skills quickly, such as needle felting, soap making, and even quilting as one of her last efforts for her most recent grandchild. She never met a human or a dog that she wasn’t interested in learning more about, and she was a great listener. Sue especially enjoyed time beachcombing at the Oregon Coast, vacations at her & Mike’s favorite spot in Mexico, and any time spent with her children and grandchildren. Sue always appreciated a sunny day.

Sue is survived by her husband, Mike Zimmerman, her four children, Melissa Lindley (Michael), Katie Bartell (Tony), Scott Siddoway, and Paige Brayton (Kyle), her three grandsons, Conor, Ike, and Carver, as well as her three siblings, Bob Armstrong (Patti), Lisa Markham (Steve), and Steve Armstrong (Theresa).

An open house style celebration of life will be held on June 29, 2026 from 12–4 p.m. at Mike’s home. Please reach out to a family member for the address. If you would like to make a donation in celebration of Sue's legacy and her passion for education, you can make a contribution toward a scholarship fund in her memory at Chemeketa Community College. Gifts can be made online by visiting go.chemeketa.edu/donate and selecting "In Memory of Susan Armstrong Zimmerman" from the designation menu. Checks can also be mailed to the Chemeketa Foundation at 4000 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305, with Susan's name mentioned on the memo line. The scholarship will fund future students of Early Childhood Education at Chemeketa. Alternatively, donations to Willamette Vital Health’s (hospice) music therapy program would also be appreciated.