Suzanne Olivia Shafer Rowland
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Suzanne S. Rowland, fondly known to many as "Mrs. Sue," passed away gracefully at home in
Hailey, Idaho, on August 23, 2022, surrounded by her loving family as she went on to her next
adventure in the great outdoors in the sky.
Sue was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 23, 1941, to James H. and Dorothy Shafer
(Goggie and Poppie). She graduated from East High School, class of 1959, and then from the
University of Utah with a BS in Education, class of 1963. She married Frank Louis Rowland on
September 3, 1964, and started a family three years later. Frank's work with the Forest Service
brought them to Redfish Lake for several summers, which led them to move to Hailey in 1972,
and thus began Sue's big-hearted influence on the Wood River Valley. She touched so many
people in her life through her school, volunteer work, social circles and outdoor pursuits.
Sue's passions for teaching and children began while working as a second grade teacher in Salt
Lake City, which led to the pioneering of two preschools in Utah. In 1972, upon moving to Hailey
and spurred by the lack of a public kindergarten in the community, Sue's Kindergarten was born
and later became Sue's Preschool, igniting an institution spanning 30 years.
Snow ran in her blood, instilled by her parents' passion for skiing, with young Sue taking her first
turns with them at Alta. There were many family ski trips throughout the West, and in college
she raced for the U of U Alpine Team. She was so proud of winning bronze in one of her races,
but loved to point out that there were only three women racing! She taught all of her children
and grandchildren to ski, and in her 70s she was part of the Sun Valley Ski School's Little Spuds
program, teaching many young children the thrill of skiing. She also loved her Nordic ski outings
and volunteering on the trails as Courtesy Patrol at Prairie Creek. She was the most vivacious
greeter!
Sue, as one of the "Meddling Mothers," launched the first off-campus Wood River High School
Senior Prom in 1985 for her daughter Jennifer's class, and subsequently started the first allnight Senior Bash for her daughter Ginger's class in 1988. Both events continue today. Her
lifelong career as a volunteer ran vast and wide, but mostly centered on anything to do with her
kids' schools and extracurricular activities.
Sue caught the travel bug at an early age, sharing many memorable adventures around
the world with friends and family throughout her life. She had a true passion for the
outdoors; beyond skiing, she loved to backpack, hike, bike, camp, paddle, and above all, follow
her husband Frank's lead into any forest, to the summit of many mountains and to sunny days
on warm ocean or lakeside beaches.
Her magnetism was apparent everywhere she went, with children and parents flocking to her.
She was a supreme ambassador of selflessness, Sue always put others first. Most of all, her
pride shone brightly for her three children and five grandchildren. Family meant the world to her.
As the fabric of her family, she taught family first, and poured her loving soul into making a
strong family bond. Celebrations were a must and she was the ultimate hostess. There were
family backpacking trips and outings to Hawaii, ski trips and road trips, gatherings at Rocky
Mountain Ranch, river floats, boating and camping trips to Lake Powell, Redfish, Alturas and
Anderson, and spectacular parties in her backyard, where her colorful flowers were always in
bloom.
Her heart may have failed her, but it never failed to give unconditional love, strength,
compassion, joy, friendship, life lessons and practical advice to us all. One of a kind, honest, a
bit quirky, humble, inclusive and neighborly, Sue was a friend to all. We will all miss you, Mrs.
Sue, but our hearts will remain full of your strength, love and inspiration.
Sue is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Frank Rowland, her children Jennifer (Brent
Diehl), Ginger (Tom Ferries) and John (Alysha Oclassen), and her grandchildren that kept the
twinkle in her eyes shining brightly, Hunter and Axel Diehl, Spencer and Sully Ferries, and Oona
Rowland. She is also survived by her brother, Jimmy A. Shafer, three nephews, Ryan Shafer,
Michael Tolley, David Holmes; two nieces, Marci Holmes (Kevin Christianson) and Danielle
Holmes; and many wonderful "sister" friends including two of the "Meddling Mothers."
She wanted to be remembered as "Mrs. Sue I Love You."
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sue's Preschool Scholarship Fund
at DL Evans Bank.
A Celebration of Sue's Life will be held on October 1st in Hailey, Idaho. If you would like to
attend, please email [email protected] for detail