Susan Elizabeth Souders

Susan Elizabeth “Sue” Souders (Crall), a strong and fiercely independent woman, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024 at her home in Indianapolis, IN, in the loving care of her sons. Born to Francis L. and Frances S. Crall on August 4, 1950, Sue’s life was a showcase of inner strength, perseverance, honesty, and unconditional love.

Sue’s journey began in Muncie, Indiana, where she grew up with her siblings Sara and David. Her childhood was filled with the simple joys of Midwestern life, which laid the foundation for her hardworking and nurturing spirit. Sue loved to swim and even participated in the Junior Olympics. In her early teens during her competitive swimming career she swam 10 miles of the Mississippi River. After graduating from Muncie Central High School in 1968, she helped pave the way for one of the first generations of women in Retail Management by earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Business from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington in 1972.

After graduation, Sue married longtime Muncie sweetheart, Gary Souders, and eventually began their life together in Indianapolis.  Though this relationship wasn't permanent, they did have two children together, Sam and Ben, whom they adored. 

A relentlessly hard working woman, Sue had a successful 40 year career in Retail Management before winding down her professional career and learning to play chess while working from home.

A strong and determined single mother, she raised Sam and Ben to be independent, resilient, honest, and polite. She always put them first and did everything she could to provide them with the best lives possible. While they were in school, she always opened her house to their friends: it was a home away from home for many.

Sue adored her children, but also had many of her own interests. A lover of nature, you could often catch Sue gardening, mowing the grass, or going for a walk while listening to an upbeat tune. She loved animals: hers was a home to many generations of Irish Setters and Daschunds, not to mention a hotel for her friends’ and childrens’ dogs when they needed it. She loved reading all genres—especially by her pool—and television: she watched anything with Kevin Costner, and was a superfan of The West Wing. She also loved perusing the aisles of her local grocery store.

Sue is survived by her sons - Sam (Jessica) and Ben (Emily), siblings - Sara (Richard) and David (Dena), best friends - Carol Hecko and Marianne King, and six grand-dogs and grand-cats.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, an organization Sue felt strongly about.