Our family mourns the loss of Suzanne (Grolmes) Crates on January 9, 2013. She was the defining spirit within our family and her memory will be our anchor.
Sue was born in St. Louis on September 17, 1936 and lived most of her life in the Kansas City area. She graduated from Central High School in 1954 and attended the University of MO, Kansas City, where she was awarded a Phi Kappa Phi key for academic achievement. She was married to John Crates on June 24, 1956, her devoted husband of 56 years.
Sue was a great collector of books, and a collector of great books. With her passing the world has lost a dry yet gentle wit that Mark Twain would have admired, as she admired his. She never met a dog she did not love and hers were members of our family. Her interests also included the study of fashion history. She made period clothing for historical reenactors. She also made innumerable Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband John; two children, Nancy and Tom; six grandchildren, Kyle, Tim, Amy, Janet, Eric, and Alex; and two great-grandchildren, Kalie and Carson. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Sam and Billie; three brothers, Howard, Sam and Larry; and her daughter Diane. To say that she will be missed does not describe our loss. We thank you, Sue.
Services will be held for family only. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or your local Humane Society. Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-444