Sue Ann Sykes, 61, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 5, 2023. Sue Ann was the beloved daughter of David and Virginia McIntyre.

Sue Ann was born August 24, 1962, to Virginia (Fuller) Sykes and James (Jim) Sykes in Kansas City, Missouri, the fourth of five children.  Special education programs were limited until 1975 when the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) was passed, so Sue Ann began elementary school when she was eight, while the family was living in California.  After the early death of “Daddy Jim” in 1972, Virginia returned to the Kansas City area, five kids in tow, to be close to family.  It was here where Virginia met and married David (“Daddy Dave”), blending her five with his two children.

In Kansas City, the educational options were still limited, so Sue Ann attended Lakemary Center in Paola, at first being driven daily by Mom from their home in Olathe, then by bus, and finally becoming a resident in Paola for several years.  In 1976, the Olathe School District constructed the Developmental Learning Center (DLC) and Sue Ann was able to move home to Olathe and attend DLC for the remainder of her education.

As an adult, Sue Ann was able to return to Lakemary first in their Somerset Group Home, and then in Hartley House in 2002 with her dearest roommates and friends, Shelly, Rusty, and Nick and under the tutelage of “Sarge” Arlene.  Sue Ann was proud of the fact she was with Lakemary for 38 years until a stroke and seizure required skilled nursing.  The family was fortunate to find Spring Hill Care and Rehab where she won the hearts of all the staff and residents and was provided the loving care she so deserved.  Gentiva Hospice furthered that love and care in her new “home” for almost two years.

Throughout her life, Sue Ann participated in Special Olympics as an avid swimmer, runner, and bowler.  As she aged, she continued to compete in basketball, softball throwing and tennis.  She attended every dance and party she could, amazing friends and family with her dance moves.  Sue Ann inherited a strong work ethic from all three of her parents, working at Bushnell Optics, Creative Candles, JCDS Workshop and Lakemary Workshop, even helping with the family business filing and organizing. She was always proud of her work and her paychecks.  She continued her education taking classes at JCCC through Project CLEAR.  An enthusiastic KC Chiefs and KU Basketball fan, Sue Ann supported her teams by watching and cheering games, talking often about her teams, and outfitting herself from head to toe in team apparel.

Sue Ann was a beloved member of Matthew’s Ministry and the Sonflower Bell Ringers at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, attending Bible Study and serving as an informal greeter of all.  She continued “working” and volunteering with her dear friend and job coach, Ann Joyner, as a Sonflower Bakery Ambassador, selling and delivering delicious treats to the staff at church.

Those who had the honor of knowing Sue Ann were the beneficiaries of the most prized gifts any single human could possess: gentleness, kindness, loyalty, politeness and reliability.  She transmitted her gentleness and love through her incredible hugs and smile.  She displayed her wonderful sense of humor even as her health declined.  Inherently a nurturer, the family will always be grateful for her as the peacemaker, making sure we say, we love you, to each other and of course, to Sue.  Having a strong aversion to confrontation, people and animals were drawn to Sue Ann and she gladly let you know that you were a pretty lady or pretty guy.

Sue Ann is preceded in death by her father, James (Jim) Sykes, brothers John (Pat) Sykes and Steve Sykes, and brother-in-law, Roy Fiedler.

She is survived by her parents, David and Virginia McIntyre of Leawood, KS, her siblings Cindy (Sykes) and Brad Applebaugh, Mark and Jill McIntyre, Michael Sykes, Susie (McIntyre) and Kent Friedeman and Diane Sykes.

Aunt Sue will be missed by her nieces, Lindsay Applebaugh Garza, Kelsey Applebaugh Cook, Molly Horridge, Aleta Friedeman, Kristina Smith, Taylor Brown, and Lauren Groth, and nephews Mitchell Friedeman and Reed McIntyre.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Wesley Chapel, Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas 66224.  To truly celebrate Sue Ann, those attending are encouraged to wear attire representing Sue, whether it be Chiefs, KU, your favorite sports team, or anything you feel represents the spirit of Sweet Sue.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Matthew’s Ministry, Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS  66224 or Lakemary Center at www.lakemary.org/give  or mail to Lakemary Center at 100 Lakemary Drive, Paola, KS  66071.

Sue Ann’s family appreciates all those that have impacted Sue’s life.  Though we know cannot list all the names, a few we acknowledge:

Kirk Davis, Corine Priddy, Arlene Cahalan, Mary Hupka, Charyl Arndt, Ann Joyner, Bev Williamson, Dr. Moya Peterson, Linda Lott, Dave Miller, Gayle and Walt Richardson, Linda and Steve Williams, Shelly and Carl Little, Shandy and Jamie with Gentiva Hospice, Spring Hill Care and Rehab (Michelle, Joe, Gabby, Yolanda, Amber, Bridget, Hannah, Sharon, Beth, Jessica), Jim Smart, Pastor Cheryl, Pastor Wendy.