Susan graduated from Newton High School in 1976. She continued her education at DMACC.

Though her unofficial first job was contributing to the family business at Lewis Greenhouse, Susan branched out and loved her work at Marla’s Dress Shop. After meeting her life partner, Robert (Randy) Cooley, they operated Tattoos by Randy together in Marshalltown for many years. They loved meeting such diverse clients and working with each on their personal tattoo art. All of them … the Harley Davidson enthusiasts, moms, dads and so many wonderful people, all with their personal view of life on this earth. Susie and Randy loved riding Harleys!

Those left to cherish their memories of Susie are her 36-year partner, Randy Cooley; her beloved fur baby, Otis; best friend forever, Mary Mattix; dear friend and Accura roomie, Billie Ross; sisters, Jayne McKeever and Rebecca (Tony) Farver; her many very much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Susie had quite a crew waiting for her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Colleen (Harbour) Manley; siblings, Michael Manley, Nancy Mackerman, Kathleen Thurman, Ronald Manley, and Mary Manley; and brothers-in-law, Richard Mackerman and Mancil Laidig. A special thank you to the caring staff at Accura Health Care of Newton East, and to Dr. Joseph Merchant and Dr. Shane Hopkins of McFarland Clinic and Mary Greely Medical Center.

We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Susie’s Life on June 8th, from 2:00-4:00, at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Newton.