Susanne Shuler

With tremendous sorrow, the family of Susanne Matney Shuler announces her passing on June 9, 2026.

Susanne was born November 11, 1947, in Tremonton, Utah, the second of Shirley and Thomas Matney’s four children. A 1966 Bear River High School graduate, she married Alan Shuler on June 22, 1968, in Soda Springs, Idaho. They settled first in Moscow, Idaho, where Sheri was born. In 1970, they set out for the San Francisco Bay Area and welcomed Angel in 1971.

She focused on building a beautiful family life, motherhood, camping at the beach, and exploring California. A peak experience was in 1976, when the family traveled in their camper on a five-week “Sea to Shining Sea” vacation. After David’s birth in 1980, they relocated to Plymouth, Minnesota, where they lived for 35 years. In her 40s, Sue completed her college degree, graduating from Augsburg College in 1995. She worked in the communication field until retiring and moving to Omaha, Nebraska, in 2015.

Susie prioritized relationships, collecting lifelong friends every place she lived. She was a beloved mother, sibling, and auntie who never forgot birthdays, mailed holiday treats, and was quick to lend support when needed. She especially relished being a grandmother and traveled regularly from Omaha to Minnesota and Utah for birthdays, sporting events, performances, and graduations. She spent special time with each grandchild, who always knew her unconditional love.

Susanne’s most endearing qualities were empathy, her ability to draw anyone into conversation, and her curiosity and lifelong learning. She loved making holidays special, cooking, games, reading, gardening, road trips, and hosting family and friends. Sue always voted and stayed current about issues, but in recent years became more involved in activism. She was particularly proud of her work supporting refugee families through First United Methodist Church, and these families enriched her life in return. Her fervent hope was that America would begin to demonstrate greater empathy and justice in the treatment of immigrants.

Although she hoped for more time, Susanne faced her recent cancer diagnosis with bravery, knowing she had lived a full and wonderful life. Her biggest regret was missing her grandchildren’s future milestones.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Ruth and Gifford Watland; parents Shirley and Thomas Matney; brother and sister-in-law Tom and Carol Matney; and nieces Holly Linford, Robyn Smith, Kirchele Shuler, and Kami Thornley.

She is survived by Alan, her husband of 58 years; her children Sheri Shuler (Nathan Morgan), Angel Burnside (Russ), and David Shuler (Susie); grandchildren Grayson, Gavin, Allison, Clara, and John; sisters Marianne Valenta (Frank) and Julie Weitz; many nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends and extended family. The world has lost a truly bright light.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church Omaha (7020 Cass St.) at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, and in Tremonton, Utah, on August 15.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Shuler Memorial Fund to carry on Sue’s work with the Immigrant and Refugee Action Team at FUMC (fumcomaha.org).