Suellyn Norma  Koontz (Olson)

January 1, 1947 to October 21, 2013

 

 

Suellyn Norma Olson, 66 of Renton, WA ended her valiant struggle with cancer on October 21, 2013 in Seattle, WA with her loving family at her bedside. Born on January 1, 1947 in Spokane, WA to Glen and Evelyn Koontz, her early years were spent on the family farm in Fairfield, WA before moving to Spokane, WA in her teenage years. Graduating from Lewis & Clark High School in 1965, she and her high school sweetheart Lonnie Olson continued their studies at WSU where they both received degrees in pharmacology and she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Suellyn and Lonnie married in their final year of college after which they settled in Renton, WA and both pursued parallel life-long careers in pharmacy.

In 1976, Suellyn and Lonnie welcomed their son Eric into their lives. They enjoyed many wonderful years together from climbing Mt Rainier, sailing in the San Juan Islands and fun road and ski trips throughout the Northwest with friends and family. A life-long "Coug" she had a unique knack for often finding a way to include some Cougar memorabilia inside gifts she gave.

She took special pleasure in bringing her family and friends together and always found time to be present at not only all of her son Eric's numerous games and special events as well as many of those of her nieces and nephews. If there was a special event or accomplishment in your life Suellyn was often the first to acknowledge it.

Suellyn was preceded in death by Lonnie in 2000, and is survived by son Eric Olson (Lindsay), granddaughter Wren Olson, sisters, Karlen Clausen (Wally), Julie Farris (Gene) brother Frank Koontz, sister-in-laws Judee Burklund, June Olson, Connie Tiplady (Ric) and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition she is mourned by many life-long friends from high school and college who were also touched by her consistent thoughtfulness and caring nature often expressed in her handwritten notes and letters as well as the surprise gifts she took great pleasure in selecting. In her later years she relished travel with friends and family and greatly appreciated her fellowship with friends at the Highlands Community Church who helped to nurture the growth in her Christian faith. The world was a more beautiful place with Suellyn in it and her uplifting spirit will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

A memorial celebration of Suellyn's life will be held on Tuesday November 5, 2013 2:00 PM at the Highlands Community Church, 3031 NE 10th Street, Renton, WA. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent in her memory to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, P.O. Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109-1023 and World Vision. PO Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063
Published in The Seattle Times from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 2013