Sue Carol Reel

Sue Carol Reel, of Terre Haute, died Sunday, February 3, 2013 after an intense battle with acute leukemia (AML). She was born on July 5, 1945, at Good Samaritan Hospital, in Vincennes to Royce and Anna Reel. Her family moved to Terre Haute when she was one, where she grew up and went to school. She graduated from Gerstmeyer High School in 1963. Continuing her education, she received her Bachelor’s degree from ISU and her Master’s degree from DePauw University. She graduated with honors from both colleges.

Sue lived in Indianapolis for over 40 years and was a dedicated high school teacher for 32 years at Plainfield Community Schools. She truly loved teaching and her students. She received the Governor’s Award from former Governor Evan Bayh for her many years of volunteering and advocating for the mentally ill at Central State Hospital and Lowe Carter Hospital.

Traveling was a great pleasure of Sue’s that allowed her to visit all of Western Europe and almost every area of North America. Sue was always close to her family and loved spending time with them. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant U.M.C. in Terre Haute and a former member of ISTA.

During the past 15 years, Sue became increasingly concerned about animal welfare, neglect, and abuse in Vigo County. She tried to be involved and helpful in the building and operation of Harmony Haven No Kill Sanctuary. Since 2003, she physically went to the shelter and was active in providing direct animal care. Sue had been serving on the board of Harmony Haven for the last several years.

Sue is survived by her three sisters, Joyce (John) Bailey, Anita Oswald, all of Terre Haute, and Shirley Reel of Redford, MI; a brother, Dr. Jerry (Joan) Reel of Albuquerque, NM; and nine nieces and nephews, John (Sherry) Bailey, Jr., of Broken Arrow, OK, Nancy (Don) Johnson, Anna Whitman, Doug (Mitzi) Bailey, Kara Oswald, all of Terre Haute, Janice (Robert) Otley on mission in Russia, Rebecca (James) Smith of Redford, MI, Walter Dayhoff of Clarksville, TN, and Justin Reel of Utah.

Visitation will be from 11 until 2 p.m. on Friday, February 8 at Roselawn Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Aaron Wheaton officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harmony Haven, Inc., P.O. Box 3305, Terre Haute, IN 47805. Online condolences may be made at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net