Susan Stapley

Susan Ilene Stapley age 72 of Watts, Oklahoma, entered heaven peacefully on December 14,2022 and is now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Susan was born in Bakersfield, California to Kenneth and Maxine Dixon on August 7,1950. She was the third of four children. She was a beautiful but mischievous child, constantly pushing limits, but brought many years of joy and laughter to our family. She was a graduate of North Bakersfield High School in 1968 and went on a few years later to earn her nursing degree from Bakersfield College.

She was genuinely talented and artistic, often making beautiful creations using paint and other various mediums. She had an eye for beauty which really showed in her craftsmanship. She made many Christmas ornaments which are now our treasured mementos. She loved being outdoors and spent a lot of her time camping and kayaking on the White and Buffalo rivers. She also loved the beach and spent many days at Morro Bay just enjoying the salty air. She valued her quiet time on her numerous adventures. That was her special time where she could recharge and feel herself once more.

The only thing that compared in her love for her children and family, was her love for her critters, Eddie the dog, who was her constant companion, and Mowgli and Dreamy her cats. She never met an animal she did not like as they all loved her as well.

She had an outgoing personality, usually jovial and extremely talkative. In fact, she never met a stranger and stood out in a crowd. People loved being around her because she made you feel like a friend even if you had just met her. She marched to the beat of her own drum, always genuine and true to herself making no excuses for anything. She had a very caring nature, always putting others before herself, especially her children, grandchildren and her fur babies. She was truly unique in everything she did and prided herself on not being a doormat for anyone. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Maxine Dixon, and her granddaughter Marissa Buchanan. She is survived by her brother Kenny (wife Belva) Dixon, sister Kathryn Hare, and brother Lee Dixon. Daughter, Taunya (husband Chris) Jones, and son Stephen Buchanan. Grandchildren, Melissa Mikkelsen, Jacob Jones, and Brogan Buchanan, along with numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the animal shelter of your choice in her name.

The family will be holding memorial services at a later date.