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Susan R Elliott, Age: 70

Susan R Elliott, 70, passed away, March 25, 2024, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, KS.  Sue was born in Oberlin, KS on July 16, 1953, to Lela (Huber) Robison and Harold Robison.

 Sue is preceded in death by her husband Charles A.(Chuck) Elliott (2005) and her parents, Harold and Lela Robison.  She is survived by her sister and brother in-law, Mary and Earl Hupka, Lenexa, KS;  her brother and sister in-law, Bill and Connie Robison, Littleton, CO; her partner, Sabrina Walker, Olathe, KS; Nubbins the cat, Lizzy the dog, friends too numerous to name, a large extended family of Special Olympics athletes and their families; and the congregation of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Overland Park, KS.

          Sue graduated from Decatur Community High School, Oberlin, KS with the class of 1971.  She earned her Baccalaureate degree from Ft. Hays State University, Hays, KS and participated in the Masters level program at the University of Kansas.

         Sue devoted her life to working with those with special needs.  Early in her career she worked as the Residential Director and Special Olympics Coordinator at Lakemary Center, Paola, KS.  She then spent 25 years working in the City of Olathe Adaptive Recreation program expanding the Olathe Trailblazers Special Olympics opportunities, developing a travel club, organizing summer camps and many, many other special activities for those with special needs. 

      In 2013 Sue was instrumental in starting Thoms’ Helpers, a day program at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church.  Through this program a number of clients have experienced a supportive work and social network.  Sue’s tireless advocacy for those with special needs and their families was never ending.  Her sometimes creative approaches to problem solving left people shaking their heads. 

         Sue was a dedicated worker but she also enjoyed traveling, hiking, biking and exploring new places.  She made frequent trips to Florida and spent as much time as she could in Frisco and the mountains of Colorado.

         Sue’s Facebook Profile reflects her attitude about life-- “I am what I am” and one of her favorite quotes “Life’s short, live fast!” is a true reflection of her genuine self!

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, 12251 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, KS  66213.  The family suggests casual attire reflecting Sue’s choices—athletes in uniform, Hawaiian shirts, hoodies, Chiefs, Royals…For those unable to attend the service it can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/c/stthomasop.  Follow Sue’s Facebook page for information about a celebration on July 16 (her birthday) at Eagles Landing.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Sue’s memory may be made to Thoms’ Helpers, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, 12251 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, KS  66213 or online at Make a Donation (tithe.ly); Olathe Special Olympics Foundation, Olathe Special Olympics Foundation (gkccfonlinedonations.org) or donors personal choice. 
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Services

Additional Service: Celebration of Life
Location: St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church
Address: 12251 Antioch Rd
City: Overland Park
State: Kansas
Zip Code: 66213
Date of Service: Apr 02, 2024
Time of Service: 06:00pm
Additional Information:

              A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, 12251 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, KS  66213. 

             The family suggests casual attire reflecting Sue’s choices—athletes in uniform, Hawaiian shirts, hoodies, Chiefs, Royals…For those unable to attend the service it can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/c/stthomasop. 

               Follow Sue’s Facebook page for information about a celebration on July 16 (her birthday) at Eagles Landing.
Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Eileen O'Leary Mar 28, 2024

Friend and Yaya sister ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Sue was an original Yaya sister in our group. We all laughed together and told great stories. We traveled together and met up for happy hour many times. It was just such a great experience to be with Sue during those times. She made everything light and fun. I will miss her. Our group will never be the same. Condolences to her family.

Steve & Julie Kottnan Mar 28, 2024

Special Olympic parents of Corey Kottman for 38yrs ,Olathe ,Kansas

Our loss of Sue will always be felt. She landed in our hearts as an angel to guide all our wonderful special kids into adulthood & strived to bring in the next generation as well. Her amount of attention to them was endless & loved hanging out with them anytime! They all have holes in their hearts which we will help them work thru. Not being able to see her is gonna be so hard at our functions. Mom's nites were particularly a great way for us to have our fun & loosen up to continue on as parents of these special ones we were handed to care for. Would take certain ones under her wings to care for & have them stay with her at her home then furthering her care to develop new ways of extending further help to like her church, started a whole other level of support something more for them that joined her! She had all of us under spell for sure! An event there was Sue! Loved her Frisco town as well, she was so happy to share that part of her world with us too! We attended her wedding with her precious Chuck that's where her inclusion so powerfully took form of her Trailblazer's! And she attended a few in our group as well🥰 Chuck made sure she kept her spot in Frisco for the rest of her days to enjoy & talk about having the ultimate chill time that she always used a lot!! I was always so happy when she'd come back refreshed for her next event! God give her wings to fly into Chucks arms 😌 Long time coming for them! 😇 In the meantime it's gonna be so different down here 😢 She did leave us in good hands with so many people she mentored into all those spots she held for so long! Cheers to YOU SUE! 🍻 a one in a million in our life, a force to be reckoned with & gave away all her love who came across her! ♥️

Erica Wilson Mar 28, 2024

Special Olympics Athlete ,Victor ,New York

I knew Sue once I was little girl at 8 years old my coach was her I got to wear those green uniforms then they become blue I got ribbons first then they become medals. Sue's Husband Chuck used to call me Sunshine cause I wasn't awake yet for the baseball tournament. Then one year in July the baseball tournament was Canceled due to the rain in Winfield Kansas and it was Sue's birthday and we threw her a surprise party anyways at her office I have tons of memories and we also lost Kelly Rylee from Special Olympics. Well God has given Sue her Special Wings cause she will definitely be missed terribly! Thank You so much Sue Elliott for having me in your family friends! It's not Good Bye it's Good day for now we will see you soon Please tell Chuck that I said HI from me!

KAY HAROLD Mar 28, 2024

Friend from Oberlin, KS ,Overland Park ,Kansas

It was with deep sadness that I learned of Sue's passing. We have been friends since we lived across the street from each other as children. We had so many fun times together and each other's homes, having slumber parties. After college at Fort Hays, we were roommates at KUMC. It was a magical year, as we explored KC area together and supported KU athletics. I left Kansas in 1980 but we stayed in contact over the years, seeing each other when we came home for holidays. A week ago I moved back to KC and I was so looking forward to seeing my "first friend" again. Sadly, for myself and the many who loved Sue, she passed away suddenly!

George Martin Mar 28, 2024

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Prayers for your loss

Sherman McDonald IV Mar 28, 2024

Partner's Sister's Son ,Everett ,Washington

Rest in peace

Debbie Zimmerman Mar 30, 2024

Friend ,Tempe ,Arizona

Sue will be missed, but never forgotten! RIP old friend. 🙏🏻🙏🏻