Susan Spinden

Susan Spinden

Susan Lynn (Cranor) Spinden was born March 15, 1950, in Gunnison, Colorado to John and Phoebe (Wilson) Cranor.  She went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, after a long battle with diabetes.

As a young girl, Susan grew up on the family ranch in Gunnison, CO milking cows, working in the fields, and helping her mother feed large hay crews. She developed a strong work ethic that stayed with her throughout her life. She was known to have the “grip of death”, as she had a very strong handshake.  No doubt, due to her arduous work habits.

Susan was an avid reader, loved going for walks, and learned toplay the piano and baritone horn.  Susan graduated at the top of her high school class and was awarded a scholarship to Western State College in Gunnison where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.  After graduation she worked in research labs and hospitals.  

After four years working on the west coast in Oregon & Washington, she returned to Colorado.  Susan met and married the love of her life, Steven Spinden of Wellington, Colorado. They met during the Well-O-Rama parade square dancing on the back of a farm truck with other members of the SquareDusters Dance Club.  They fell hard for one another and after only six months of courtship they married in Gunnison, CO on January 4, 1986 (Brrrrr).  

After a year of married life in Wellington, Susan and Steve moved to Delta, CO to farm.  She worked in the Montrosehospital until their son, Phillip, was born in 1989.  At that time,she became a stay-at-home mom and was an ideal farm wife.  She loved the farm, cats, and baby animals – especially, the calves born during the spring.

Susan was involved in several bible study groups over the years being truly dedicated to Jesus, her Savior.  She volunteered at Phillip’s school throughout his elementary years and was a “Pink Lady” volunteer at the Delta hospital.  She was a long-term member of the local antique tractor clubs, even having her own little antique tractor, often using it to rake hay. She loved the smell of lilacs and would often insist that Steve pull over to the side of the road so she could experience their scent up close.  

Above all, she loved being a wife and mother.  Despite numerous health issues, she remained steadfast, her faith providing unwavering strength.  You couldn’t keep her down.  She remained active as long as she was physically able.

Susan was proceeded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Steve; son, Phillip (Jessie) of Albuquerque, NM; brother, Walter Cranor (Margaret) of Gunnison, CO; sister Edith Cranor-Buck (Paul), of Missoula, MT; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Susan at their Delta farm in Spring 2024.  She will be laid to rest in the cemetery on the family ranch in Gunnison alongside her mother and father.

In lieu of flowers and food, the family requests charitable contributions be made directly to Delta County Humane Society, PO Box 1111, Delta, CO  81416.