She was born on February 3, 1944 in Poplar Bluff, MO, the daughter of the late Ray and Addie “Ruth” (Mullen) Knight. She married Ronald Mayer on March 22, 1975 in St. Ann, MO and he survives.
As a young woman Sue worked in law offices in St. Louis and Minneapolis. She was passionate about the law, and went to college in her forties and earned a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies at Sangamon State University. She worked for the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office for a decade. She eventually went to work for the Department of Children and Family Services and retired as a contract manager.
After retirement, she and her husband traveled in their RV. They work camped at Dollywood, Amazon, and Disney World, and made friends from around the globe. They also took an extended trip through Alaska and drove the entirety of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Wintering for a number of years in Yuma, Arizona, they made friends on both sides of the border. She worked tirelessly to learn español para sus viajes a México.
Sue enjoyed gardening, canning, and tending her flower garden. She made quilts and was a talented painter. Her works graced the walls of her home. She loved animals and in addition to the usual cats and dogs, she also shared her home for a time with mice, guinea pigs, a rabbit, fish, and two parrots.
Sue was never still, there was always something more to do. This trait came from her from her strict upbringing. She lost her mother when she was two and was raised by her stern paternal grandmother, Emma Josephine Knight, and her father. Her granny died when she was fourteen and her father died just two years later. She and her sister Freda picked and hoed cotton as children to buy their own school clothes. They were also expected to help with farm work and keep the house spotless. After the sisters were orphaned, she was taken in by extended family and finished high school in St. Louis, where she eventually met her husband.
Sue was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Riverton, IL where she taught CCD classes and served as a Eucharistic Minister.
Besides her husband Ronald, she is survived by her two daughters Kelli Jo Mayer of Chatham, IL and Shawna (husband James) Matthew of Springfield; a half-sister Emma Jo Lane of Flushing, MI; two nephews and two nieces in the St. Louis area and their children and grandchildren.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her older sister Freda Bradley, a half-brother Curtis Knight, and a half-sister Berneda Hughey.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, Springfield. A celebration of life will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall - 335 South 4th Street in Riverton, Illinois at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, October 6th.
Per her wishes, cremation rites were accorded.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
