Sandra Sue “Suzie” Pirtle-Armagost
April 9th, 1945 – February 12th, 2015
Suzie Pirtle-Armagost went Home on Thursday, February 12, 2015 to joyously reunite with family and friends who had made the journey before her. She was surrounded by family and friends, and was at peace in the home she loved.
Our arrival and departure dates are just a moment in time, and make up a tiny part of our lives. But the dash separating those dates is where all of the “living” happens. Those years in between are what make a difference, and boy did Suzie make a difference in a big way. She used her “dash” well.
Suzie Pirtle-Armagost made her grand debut into the world on April 9th, 1945. She was long, lean, beautiful, and feisty; traits that she carried through life. A 1963 graduate of Alexandria High School, she loved all things family. She retired from Airfoil Textron in Elwood in 1991, and raised her two children, Kathy and Brian, in Frankton. After meeting her husband Gary, they moved to Anderson, right next door to her sister and brother-in-law, where she lived the remainder of her life. She was a long time member of Kingston Avenue Baptist Church, and was a regular volunteer for many outreach programs.
She was a wonderful cook, who loved vintage dishes and cookbooks. Her affinity for animals, Mexican food, shopping, colorful handbags, and striped clothing was well known. Her home-cooked meals were legendary, and her home was the gathering place for holidays, special occasions, and all meals in between. In her later years, she discovered her immense talent and love of tole painting. She spent countless hours in her studio hand crafting masterpieces from furniture to Christmas ornaments. Her small business, S.P.A. Art & Design, was a huge hit, and she sold her art online and at various art shows and bazaars around the state. Demand always exceeded supply. But more than anything, she loved sharing her talent and treasures with family and friends.
“Not yet. I like it here.” was her calm response after her lung cancer diagnosis in July of 2013. The 3-4 month survival rate was not acceptable to Suzie. The 19 months she enjoyed were filled with love. The wonderful team at I.U. Cancer Center made sure her life was full, and healthy as possible.
Suzie Armagost did not just tell you she loved you; she showed it. Her keen wit and dry sense of humor were well-known. And she had a way of making a profound difference in your life without even trying. If she teased you, then you must have done something right. She did a lot of teasing…
Suzie was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Rozelle Pirtle, sisters Dorothy Robertson (John) and Virginia Jack (Dick), and brother Edward Pirtle, Jr. She is survived by husband Gary of Anderson, daughter Katherine Grimme (Joe) of San Francisco, son Brian Grimme of Anderson, and sister Peggy Saum (Dick) of Toccoa, Georgia. She was very close to her nieces and nephews John Robertson (Sally), Dee Jackson, Kelli Jack-Kelly (Chris), David Rathbun, and Kara Rathbun. Her many great nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family were a source of great joy for her; and the feeling was mutual. Her neighbors, friends, and church were considered family members, too, and she loved them dearly.
You made great use of your “dash”…
Visitation will take place on Monday February 16th from noon-2:00 p.m. at Kingston Avenue Baptist Church, 5403 Kingston Ave., in Anderson. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the church, and all are welcome to join family and friends for a meal in fellowship hall immediately following. Burial will take place later in the week near her birthplace in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Suzie Pirtle-Armagost requests donations be made to the IU Simon Cancer Center for lung cancer. Please make memorial gifts payable to IU Foundation/Lung Cancer Research. Please indicate “In memory of Suzie Pirtle-Armagost” on your gift. Mail to: IU Simon Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207.
Love never ends…
Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service handled the arrangements.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.