Susan Ann Hoover

Susan Ann Hoover passed away on March 24, 2023, at her home in Bloomington, Indiana, at the age of 78. Lowell, her cherished husband of 55 years, steadfastly cared for her as they both “endeavored to persevere” through the more than 33 years of her extraordinarily difficult journey with multiple sclerosis. Born December 12, 1944, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Susan was the only child of Alfred and Palma “Polly” (Hjelmstad) Johnson. Growing up in the close-knit congregation of Evanger Lutheran Church, a rural parish outside of town, Susan felt the love of her extended family and church community, and she shared her beautiful singing voice in church at a very young age. Not too long ago, she told the story of a choir practice she remembered when they sang her Happy Birthday—she was nine years old. Susan would go on to study nursing at the University of North Dakota and she embarked on a long career as a Registered Nurse. Susan and Lowell were married on June 2, 1967, and their adventure began right away when they moved to Izmir, Turkey, where Lowell served with the United States Air Force on a NATO base there. After a memorable two years, the landscape changed dramatically, and Lowell was assigned to Tuy Hòa Air Base, Vietnam. Once reunited, Lowell and Susan forged ahead together, and they undertook their next big adventure—starting a family. Their oldest child Roy was born in Laredo, Texas, in 1973; Robin was born in Minot, North Dakota, in 1974; and Mary and Polly were born in Logansport, Indiana, in 1979 and 1984 respectively. Susan was a wife, mother, and grandmother whose selflessness and grace were only surpassed by her grit and resolve, and the love she received was only surpassed by the love she gave. Susan is survived by her devoted husband Lowell; son Lowell “Roy” (Brenda) Hoover; daughters Robin (Jeremy) Allen, Mary (Jacob) Blalock, and Polly (Joe) Cunningham; grandchildren Alex Hoover, Mathias and Marcus Allen, Lily, Anabella and Vivi Blalock, and a dear cousin Donna Mae (Warren) Tang. Susan has been and will continue to be the sunshine that lights the way for her family near and far. No service is scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online to the Evanger Lutheran Church or the Evanger Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund at https://www.giftofgracegf.org/donate Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com Heroes Instant chaos, lives threatened; no recourse. A figure emerges striding confidently Straight to the tribulation’s source. Happiness rescued by titanic force. Daily the small frail figure rises, Already battered, tired, and worn, Facing each day many a daunting simple task, The mounting trials, for which, one did not ask. Banner headlines boldly proclaim, Larger than life, instant fame. Multitudes cheer the moment historic. Voices resounding, shouting the hero’s name. Silence broken; small sounds of effort extreme As needful tasks simply are done. Halting progress made, as in a troubled dream, By one, who holds in abeyance, a tearful stream. Scrapbooks, mementos now abound To commemorate one whom courage found Blazing forth, a titanic moment sublime, A figure, heroic, to be admired, for all time. Again and again, the small fragile figure does arise, Already battered, tired and worn, To face each day’s increasing titanic demands. A figure, Heroic, to be admired, for all time. By Lowell R. Hoover January 7, 2001

Tributes

Susan Ann Hoover

December 12, 1944 - March 24, 2023