Susan Lee

Lt Colonel Susan Jane Lee was born September 1, 1956 in Britton, South Dakota to William and Dorothy Geddes. She went to meet her Lord October 16, 2021 at the age of 65 years, one month and 15 days.

Susan graduated with honors from Woodward High School in May of 1972.

She met her future husband, Larry Lee, while working the late shift at the DX truck stop. After a year courtship they were married on August 17, 1974 in Woodward, OK. To this union came one daughter, Crystal Whisman.

Between the railroad and the military they found time to take in and help raise 16 foster kids of all ages. Some stayed for a week and some for a few years. Susan loved doing this as she loved the kids unconditionally. She felt they all need the love of family and guidance as they grew.

After following Larry around on the railroad for 11 years Susan went to the University of Central Oklahoma and got her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Upon graduation she followed her dream of being in the military and joined the United States Air Force as a butterball 2nd Lt RN. See the world they said. She and Larry move 10 miles over the OK state line to Wichita Falls, TX as her first assignment in a critical care unit on base. While there she did a tour of Korea for a year. From there things were looking up. She was stationed at Andrews AFB, Charleston AFB, Tinker AFB, Bosnia, Germany and McConnell AFB as her last and final assignment.

While in Korea she she served as the assistant to the United States Air Force Surgeon General, conducting interviews for entrance to the FNP program. Even giving speeches for the Surgeon General when she couldn’t attend. When she returned to the mainland from Korea she began her education again to become a Family Nurse Practitioner at Bethesda, MD Uniform Services University. While there she encouraged Larry to go to college to get his degree in Culinary Arts also.

While in Korea Susan bought Larry a 1999 Softail Custom Harley to ride. This created many chances to have some great adventures with Harley Owners Group, Legion Riders and friends that ride. They took advantage by riding to Milwaukee, Las Vegas, Ft Wayne, IN and all over the areas she was stationed. They took their 2005 Ultra Classic Harley to Germany and road around Europe when they could. Susan was stationed at Tinker AFB when she was asked if she could take in an exchange student on short notice. Her comment was sure with one provision she had to come meet us first to see if she wanted to stay with us. And that is how Petra Duchonova became a daughter from another mother in our family. After Jr high she went home to only return when we moved to Charleston AFB to begin college at the College of Charleston. We were lucky enough to attend Petra and Doty’s wedding in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Susan retired in 2016 after 22 years of serves to the AF. This gave here some free time so she could volunteer part time as a FNP at the Guadalupe Clinic in Wichita. She also joined the American Legion Post 136 in Mulvane, KS and served as chaplain, historian and first vice at different times. She was honored by the Legion Riders by doing a ride by and salute shortly before her death.

Susan enjoy riding behind Larry on his Harley and her yard work, gardening, flowers and even using the battery powered chain saw Larry bought her. She enjoyed visiting with the different friends she had made in the organizations she belonged to. She and Larry belonged to the United Sidecar Association, Brotherhood of the Third Wheel and Harley Owners Group and when they rode they met people that became lifelong friends. They bought an RV to travel and see the USA. They did accomplish seeing some of it.

There are many more stories to tell but time is short and these are what memories are made of.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, William (Bill) Geddes, Dorothy Swanson Geddes, her brother Phillip and Sister-in-law Beverly Geddes.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years Larry. Her daughter Crystal and her husband Justin of Ft Wayne, IN. Three grandchildren, grandson Adam and his wife Emily and grandson Jacob. Also granddaughter Abigail who is expecting their first great grandchild in December.

Visitation 4-8pm Tuesday, October 19, with funeral services 1pm Wednesday, October 20, all at Smith Mortuary in Derby, KS.

Visitation 12-5pm Sunday, October 24, with funeral services 2pm Monday, October 25, all at Billings Funeral Home in Woodward, OK.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vet-to-Vet Support Command, 12411 W. Ridgepoint Ct., Wichita, KS 67235.