Mariame Sue Rice Messer (nee Ford) left all of us behind on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at home in Broken Arrow, OK. She was born in East Cleveland, OH on March 29, 1951 to Mariame and Henry Ford as their fifth and last child. She received an excellent education in Cleveland Heights schools. She truly found her calling and her dream job with American Airlines in Fort Worth in June 1987. Beginning as an installer of American's computer system for travel agencies, she traveled the U.S. 5-6 days a week. She changed titles, positions and jobs many times over her 30 years with American, finishing up as Engine Records Supervisor in Tulsa. During the time of crisis for passengers and our country, including the tragic events of 9-11-2001, she was among the first to volunteer her help and compassion and was recognized more than once by AA for this.
Traveling, reading and ENTERTAINING were her passions. She sought out adventure, planned adventures for others and personally lead the adventures.
Susie put up with no fools, and if you were stupid, she told you so. Perhaps a display of her acid wit, followed by an obvious display of love was the trait that endeared her to all. Loving her family, hosting her friends and being true and loyal to all was the basis for her life.
Her life had difficult times & big obstacles to overcome. But she did it with truth and a sense of humor -- I believe she must have stood in front of the mirror many times and told herself to quit her whining and sniveling.
Sue has left behind the love of her life, Carl David Messer. They each transformed the other's life, experiencing 5 magical years together. Sue had two children, each as special and unique as their mother - Lauralie and Chuck, three grandchildren that adored their Dodo and were adored by her in return -- Shelby, Lenae and Austin, two great-grandchildren too young to understand what they have lost -- Dani and Adalyne. Sue lavished much love and attention on Dave's kids, Kevyn and Ian and his grandchild, Liv. Dave's mother Wanda was Sue's biggest supporter and they grew a bond that was more than friendship. Her brother Bill and sisters Nancy and Betty Jo will try to fill her very big shoes in the family. Her brother-in-law and partner in crime, Chris, will miss her dearly. She will live on in legend with her nieces and nephews, Zanne, Cindy, Billy, Ellie, Jenny, Gary, Rhett and Dallas. Very special cousins, Judi, Patti and Gary bridged the time between childhood and life-long friendship. Friends and co-workers will continue to re-tell their favorite Sue-story for a long time to come.
Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Mariame and Henry Ford, her sister Caroline Woznicki and her nephew George Gruehl.
Sue is sitting in first, drinking mimosas and flying high.
The family will be holding memorials in Broken Arrow, OK and Austin, Tx on dates to be announced. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233