Dec. 27, 1945 - March 19, 2012

GREELEY,?Colorado--Susan Ruth McLeland, 66, of Greeley, passed away March 19, 2012, at North Colorado Medical Center.

She was born Dec. 27, 1945, in McCook Nebraska, to Jerry and Ardis (Hileman) McLeland.

Susan graduated from McCook High School and continued on to McCook College then transferring to UNC in Greeley. She later obtained her Masters degree.

She began her career as the elementary school librarian in Oti, Colorado, from 1968 until 1974, when she moved to Beloit, Kansas, where she was librarian in the school system there until 2004. Upon retirement Susan returned to Greeley to be closer to family.

Her hobbies included many crafts such as wheat weaving, cross stitching, tatting, and quilling amongst others. Her love of books and reading were apparent throughout her life and she was known by her nieces and nephews as the "book aunt." She spent family time with the kids on her lap with a book in her hand and a smile in her eyes as she read in her best story telling voice. She was actively involved with Beta Sigma Phi locally and enjoyed several months each year prior to Christmas packing shoe boxes for Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child.

Susan was one of those rare individual's that was always concerned about how you were doing and what she could do to help. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and enjoyed visiting with the residents at Bonell Heritage Apartments while on errands helping out her mom.

Susie was survived by her mother, Ardis Foose, of Greeley; stepmother, Janice McLeland of LaSalle; brother, Kip McLeland (Karen) of LaSalle; sister, Lynda Peterson of Spokane Washington; nephews, Tad McLeland (Jennifer) of Paonia, Colorado and Brian Kile of Greeley; nieces, Kelly Peterson of Tenino, Washington, Tasha Peterson, Washington, Melody McLeland of Longmont, Jennifer Olin (Stacey) of LaSalle; great nephew's Boede McLeland, Kile Olin and Andre Ates; great nieces, Marly McLeland, MaKayla Olin, Peyton Ates and many other members of the family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry McLeland, stepfather, Daniel Foose and grandparents.

The memorial service will be in the Allnutt Macy Chapel at 1 p.m, March 26, 2012. Inurnment will be later in McCook, Nebraska.

Memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan's Purse (memo - UCC) in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th Street, Greeley, CO 80631. Friends may view the online obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences at www.allnutt.com\" www.allnutt.com.