Sue Ellen Nelson

Sue Ellen Miles Nelson passed away surrounded by generations of love in the early morning hours of December 18, 2022. Susie was born in Hereford, Texas on January 25, 1954 to David and Edith Miles. She was a spit-fire red-headed child whose antics provided entertaining stories for many years. She was the second of five children which helped her to perfect the role of “fierce protector of her family.” Susie graduated from Caprock High School in Amarillo, Texas in 1972 where she is forever remembered for her role as “Mammy Yokum in Li’l Abner. She also was a member of the “Top 20” vocal group and was All-State Choir. She attended West Texas State University briefly where she joked that cigarettes and playing Spades ruined her singing scholarship. Little did she know that this was for the better! While working for Texico she and her best friend went to the WWE wrestling event on some free tickets they had gotten. She was there introduced to a tall dark 1970’s stud who would later become the love of her life for 48 years. Susie married Jimmie Nelson on July 26, 1975. They wasted no time at all and welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer Rebecca, in 1976. Jennifer was quickly followed by their second daughter, Renee DeAnn, in 1978. Susie flourished in her role as a mom and wife. While she held several different jobs in her life it was her part in the PTA and as a Girl Scout leader that impacted those around her the most. In 1988 she took on the ultimate mom role when she and Jim became house parents at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. She remained a force in many of the boys' lives till the day she died. Susie was a Food Network worthy cook whose dishes were repeatedly requested by family and friends. She was a 10+ time repeat Amarillo Tri-State Fair Blue Ribbon winner for her buttermilk biscuits. When her daughters were asked what their favorite food was it was always answered with “Mom’s cooking!” Visits to her home were often full of requests for roast, enchiladas, sub sandwiches, slicky banana cake, and chicken spaghetti amongst a few. Just two days before her passing she was offering to cook a favorite meal for her family! In 2002 Susie earned a new title that she wore proudly above all others… Nanna! Susie’s world over-flowed with joy and love as she spoiled her two granddaughters Madison Rebecca and Megan RayAnn. Susie was a life-force that left an imprint on many. Many family and friends recall her role as a steller party planner complete with unique games she would come up with. Her flowers and gardens remained the envy of family and friends up to the very end. Her fun loving spirit has many recalling her ability to always dodge speeding tickets with her charm, throw tequila shots with the best of them and even some stories of her red-headed temper wreaking havoc at places like Nasty Nelli’s. In the early 2000’s Susie was kidnapped and dragged by her tall dark Chickasaw man back to Indian Territory where her red hair had relatives noting that such a scalp was a sacred prize that would bring luck. She never surrendered her title of Texan but she did betray her roots when she became a die hard OSU fan and later added insult to injury adding OU to the mix when Madison became a Sooner. Susie had a lifelong love (and some would say obsession) with Christmas. She lived for the magical time of year when her family would gather from far and near to celebrate the birth of her beloved Jesus. Susie and Jom would transform their home into a Christmas paradise every year. It was only fitting that this would be the time of year that the Lord would decide to call her home. Her final days were spent surrounded by family in her paradise at the foot of her “red bird” Christmas tree. Susie is preceded in death by her parents David and Edith Miles of Amarillo. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Jim Nelson of Chigley, Oklahoma; her daughters Jennifer Nelson of Two Rivers, Alaska and Renee and husband David of Chigley, Oklahoma; granddaughters Madison Haley of Norman, Oklahoma and Megan Haley of Chigley, Oklahoma; brother Larry Miles and wife Becky of Amarillo, Texas; sister Becky Cremo of Amarillo, Texas; brother Tim Miles of Amarillo, Texas; brother Jason Miles and wife Amber of Amarillo, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews, friends and many extended family members. A traditional memorial service will be held December 30, 2022 at 3pm at DeArman Funeral Home Chapel in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. A life celebration will be held as she requested on June 3, 2023 at the Nelson family home in Chigley. This will be for family and friends to gather and celebrate her with good food, drink, fun games, laughter and love. She said these were her happiest life moments. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Victory Hospice for easing her suffering and pain as she began her journey to heaven.

Tributes

Sue Ellen Nelson

January 25, 1954 - December 18, 2022