Etna Sue Bloedel, 95, died July 3, 2020, in Overland Park, Kansas. She was born May 23, 1925, in Electra, Texas, the only child of Fred and Esther Garner Lusk. Sue graduated from high school in Borger, Texas at age 16 and attended Texas Tech for one year. She then enrolled at St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in Amarillo. She met her true love, Bill Bloedel, toward the end of her schooling and the two eloped April 10, 1946, keeping their marriage a secret until her graduation because nursing students could not be married. After a move to Lawrence, Kansas, the couple settled in Wichita where Bill could pursue his education in aeronautical engineering. Sue worked at St. Joseph's Hospital for 32 years, most of them in the neonatal ICU. They built a spacious, comfortable home themselves in rural Derby and lived there happily for 50 years. In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Bill. Surviving are her children: Carol Hornung and her husband Bill of Overland Park; Bill Bloedel, Jr. and his wife Elin of Winfield; and Katy Alcala and her husband Joe of Wichita. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Bob Hornung, Andy Hornung, Matthew Hornung, Penny Derochick, Carrie Helmer, Patrick Bloedel, Molly Jones, Holly Arnold, and Monique Alcala. She also had 25 great- grandchildren whom she adored. Due to Covid-19, a private family funeral will be held at St. Mary's Catholic. Church in Derby. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Wichita. Those who wish to remember Sue in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Catholic Community Hospice, 9740 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212.
Sue was a special woman with a servant's heart. She radiated love. She was a good and sympathetic listener and offered encouragement when needed. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Sue supported her children and grandchildren, attending school and church events and making clothes and crafts for them. She made Christmas tree ornaments of her own design for each of her grandchildren every year. She was the essence of hospitality. Fresh warm cookies appeared instantaneously on her table when someone walked through her door. For many years, Bill and Sue hosted Thanksgiving. Thi5 meal was open to all the family and to others who needed a place to go. This legendary feast grew every year and there was always a seat for everyone. Sue was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was an active supporter of the parish. Her strong faith showed in every aspect of her life. She was an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, and nurse. She was a treasure and she will be missed.