Susan Marie Rambo passed away peacefully in the evening sunlight on June 14th, 2024, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband, Rex Rambo, her children, Yvette (Tim), Suzette (Chad), Brigette Chester), Nanette (Jimmie), and Rex II (Danielle). As well her eleven grandchildren, Timothy James, Alexandra (Benjamin), McKenna, Aidan, Kayla, Peyton, Kylie, Susanella, Tatum, Rex III, and Annaleaha. As well as, her twin Sandy Woodford, and her brothers, Gary and Jerry Dickinson. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Pansy Dickinson, her sister, Sherrie Hohman, sister Bonnie Huntley, and her brother Bill Dickinson.
She was born March 30th, 1946, in Veblen, South Dakota to Joseph and Gladys “Pansy” Dickinson. Susie, as she was most known as, was an avid athlete; eventually becoming a serious golfer whose consistency rivaled the pros, even if her distance didn’t. Not that that mattered, she regularly beat most people she played with, and delighted in taking down the big hitters.
Susie also participated in multiple pageants, winning Mrs. Illinois at 44 in 1990, then placing 5th overall in Mrs. America. She was often seen either on the golf course or wandering around her yard tending to her least argumentative children, her plants. She loved watching things grow, tending to them was her one true hobby, something she delighted in solely for herself. In a way communicating through her yard, her attention to detail, her tenacity, her love of all things beautiful, and her impeccably high standards.
She married the love of her life, Rex Arthur Rambo on April 2nd, 1965. Even after five children they were often found canoodling, caressing, and doting on each other; giving their eleven grandchildren a standard of nothing but affection, active participation, unconditional love. They traveled often and far, golfing in Scotland, boat tours along coastlines, and road trips across the country with and for their grandchildren.
She loved deeply, her strength was intimidating and impressive. She loved roses and the color yellow. Her loss is profound, and she will be missed by those who knew her for as long as memories last.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Keosauqua United Methodist Church with Pastor Mary Kathryn Hart officiating. Burial will be in the Purdom Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of a memorial the family request flowers be sent in memory of Susan’s love for flowers. Friends may leave online condolences and join the webcast at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
