Susan Luper “Grandma Suzy”

Susan Luper, our beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt and friend, returned to her heavenly home peacefully on Oct. 17, 2015, surrounded by loved ones. Susan was born Dec. 28, 1955, in Heber City, Utah, to Marva Montgomery and Philip Van Wagoner. Susan attended Tooele High School where she met the love of her life, Rodney Luper. She and Rod were married on Aug. 3, 1973, and were later sealed to their daughter and three sons on Oct. 29, 1993, in the Salt Lake Temple. As best friends for over 42 years, Rod and Susan were inseparable, exemplifying a dedicated and committed companionship and marriage. Susan loved spending time with her family in the outdoors camping, fishing and riding 4-wheelers. She was a dedicated and wonderful mother to her four children. As grandchildren entered her life she immediately embraced, honored and cherished the role of grandmother and was affectionately known as Grandma Suzy. She made birthdays and holidays extra-special and memorable for each of her 14 grandchildren. Grandma Suzy’s quick-witted, spunky personality and sense of humor always made her the life of the party. She loved to make others smile and always looked forward to time with family and friends. Susan was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in many capacities and stood as a stalwart follower of Jesus Christ. She loved to serve others and could be found serving those in need even while in the weakest of health. Susan is preceded in death by her two brothers, Philip Lynn and Sean Van Wagoner and her mother-in-law, Darlene Luper. She is survived by her eternal sweetheart, Rod Luper; her children, Michelle (Brad) Gowans, Grantsville, Utah; Michael (Sarajane), Draper, Utah; Matt (Juliet), Syracuse, Utah; Mark (Janey), Orem, Utah; mother, Marva (John) Nelson, St. George, Utah; father, Philip (Claudia) Van Wagoner, Rexburg, Idaho; father-in-law, Chuck Luper, Tooele, Utah; brother, Steven (Sharon) Kohler, Kaysville, Utah; brother, Brent Van Wagoner, Lakeland, Florida; sister, Julie (Russell) Johnson, Grantsville, Utah; brother, Jeff (Kerinda) Van Wagoner, Vista, California; and 14 grandchildren. A viewing will be held at Tate Mortuary, 110 S. Main St., Tooele, Utah, on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, from 6-8 p.m. A funeral will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Stake Center, 1000 N. Broadway, Tooele, Utah, with a viewing also held one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will take place at the Tooele Cemetery following the funeral services.