"My memories of Sue go back to Shell Rock Elementary when our two daughters were students through the 90's. There she sat, behind her reception desk in the office. ALWAYS had a smile and was so good with all of the students. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sue was a ray of sunshine. Thinking of you, Sherri Willey"
In loving memory of
Susan Mary Schrage
November 15, 1953 - April 3, 2019
Sue Schrage, 65, of Allison, passed away, Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, from complications of ovarian cancer. She was born November 15, 1953, in Charles City, Iowa to Harlan and Mary Jane (Whiteside) Garbes.
Sue graduated from Waverly Shell Rock High School then attended Gates Business College in Waterloo, Iowa. She was employed by Waverly Shell Rock School system for many years.
Sue was united in marriage to Jay Schrage on June 24, 1989, at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison, Iowa. She gave birth to a daughter Andrea in 1994 and became a stay at home mom and farm wife. She helped her husband Jay on the farm with livestock, crop operations and did bookkeeping for the farm and Olmstead Concrete.
Sue was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison and taught Sunday School. She was a very active 4-H leader of the Butler County Young Riders with many members and projects. Sue made numerous improvements to the horse area at the Butler County Fairgrounds. She was awarded the 4-H leadership award and was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame at the 2017 Iowa State Fair. Sue was also active in the Butler County Relay for Life for many years, receiving the Volunteer Service for Life Award in 2018. Her family farm was recognized as being a Century Farm in 2017.
Sue enjoyed helping on the farm, attending Andrea's events, and traveling with Jay and Andrea. Her most favorite was watching the kids she had in 4-H grow to be young adults. She also attended many horse shows over the years.
Sue is survived by her husband Jay Schrage of Allison, daughter Andrea Schrage of Greene, sister Norma (Gary) Olmstead of Cedar Falls, sister Linda (David) Schrock of Janesville and brother Darrel (Joan) Garbes of Watertown, Tennessee.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents Harlan and Mary Jane Garbes.
Memorials may be directed to the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison or to the family.
Tributes
"I can never remember a time when I did not see Suzie smiling :) We were blessed to have her here on earth, and now Heaven is the lucky one. I am sending thoughts and prayers to her family in this sad time of saying good bye for now, until you see her again in Heaven."
"Jay and Andrea, my heart hurts for you! I loved Sue from the day we met - Sue?s infectious smile, positive attitude and huge heart - a beautiful person! "
"Jay and Andrea We are so sorry for your loss. Sue was such a cheerful person and her smile could light up a room. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim and Bette Mc Gonigle"
"Jay & Andrea, No words will ever come close to describing a great person, your wife and mother was,, She had a wonderful voice on the radio as we communicated during the fall harvest of 2009 and her laugh was infectious. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.. Les Homeister"