Susan Kay (Winkle) DeMayo passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023 following a sudden cardiac event.
Susie was born the youngest of three and the only daughter to Billymiles and Vera (Daniels) Winkle on November 26, 1954 in Kingman, KS. With older brothers Billy and Danny to contend with, Susie quickly learned to give as good as she got. This would serve her well in future years, as she raised her five boys.
Susie became a mother in 1973 with the birth of her first son, Jason. David was born in 1975, followed by Daniel in 1979 and Ian in 1984. While raising her four young sons, Susie returned to school to receive her nursing degree. She graduated in 1988 while pregnant with her fifth boy, Stevie. Being both compassionate and able to handle any challenge, Susie thrived as an RN, working mostly in the operating room. She began her career in Anthony and then Pratt, KS, followed by Denver, CO where she eventually retired.
On May 14, 1998, Susie met the love of her life Doug DeMayo. They were united in marriage on August 29, 1998 in Coats, KS. As a long-haul truck driver for most of their married life, Doug was often on the road, but not far from Susie’s mind. They were always connected through the phone when Doug was away, and Doug was Susie’s constant support through the good times and trials of life.
Over the years, Susie became a prolific and extremely talented quilter. She especially enjoyed gifting her family with her beautiful creations.
Susie’s grandchildren were the joy of her life. She loved spending time with them watching movies, teaching them to sew, cook and craft, as well as watching them participate in sports and school programs. Her favorite activity was embarrassing them in public.
Susie will be remembered for having no filter, but a huge heart. Part of that heart was broken after the losses of her sons Jason and Stevie, but she is now whole again and reunited with them in Heaven.
Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Billymiles and Vera Winkle, and sons Jason Hart and Steven Spotts.
She is survived by her husband, Douglas DeMayo of Caldwell, KS; brothers Billy (Jean) Winkle of Tonganoxie, KS, Danny Winkle of Scottsdale, AZ; sons David (Holly) Hart of Augusta, KS, Daniel (Angie) Hart of Littleton, CO, Ian (Tiffany) McGoye of Littleton, CO; daughter-in-law, Rita Hart of Caldwell, KS; stepsons Alex and Gabriel DeMayo; grandchildren Miles, Vaughn, Christian and Kailey Hart; Zachary, Zoey and Zara Hart; Ethan McGoye; Taylor and Carter Hart, and Alyssa, Candace and David DeMayo.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Hope Church in Caldwell, Kansas with Pastor Kordell Kattenberg officiating. Interment will follow at Czechoslovakian Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) ATTN: Michael Swyer, 199 Water Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10038 and sent in care of the mortuary.
Visitation will be held Wednesday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
