Susan Mae Johnson, age 70, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Susan was born Susan Mae Wells on January 9, 1956, in Lynch, Nebraska, to Shirley (Slack) Wells and Lyle Wells.

Sue spent her early childhood growing up on the family farm near Redbird, Nebraska, alongside her siblings and cousins, who were like siblings to her. She was blessed to have her grandparents close by and treasured the time she spent with them. It was on the family farm that Sue developed her lifelong love of horses, animals, and the outdoors. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Redbird before graduating from Lynch High School in Lynch, Nebraska.

In 1975, Sue married Roger Nabity. Together they built a life that took them from Nebraska to Iowa before eventually settling in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During their marriage, they welcomed two children, Jason and Keri, who remained the center of Sue's world.

Sue dedicated many years to caring for others through her work at Sioux Valley Hospital in the Admissions Department and later at the Sioux Valley Hospice Cottages. Throughout the years, she also held a variety of other jobs, including working as an assistant for a life insurance company, working at a local garden center, and growing and selling her own vegetables. No matter where she worked, Sue was known for her caring nature and strong work ethic.

Sue married Richard Johnson in 2006. Together they made their home on an acreage west of Sioux Falls, where they enjoyed country living and raised a variety of exotic animals along with many beloved dogs.

Her final and favorite career was as an Activity Assistant at Good Samaritan in Canistota, South Dakota. Sue poured her heart into bringing joy to the residents through the creative crafts and games she designed herself. Some of her favorites included the Right Family Game, the Horse Race Game, and starting a pen pal program that connected residents with nursing homes across the country. The friendships she made there and the lives she touched meant the world to her.

Sue had a deep love for the outdoors. She found happiness in gardening, tending her flowers, fishing, and caring for her many animals over the years, including horses, chickens, ducks, goats, dogs, cats, and many other beloved animals. She also loved thrift shopping. Whether she and Keri were headed across town or out on a road trip, they always mapped out the thrift stores along the way—and sometimes even planned entire trips just to discover new ones. Those adventures together became treasured memories.

Above all, Sue cherished her family. Some of Jason and Keri's favorite memories were made back on the family farm where Sue grew up. They spent countless hours exploring old abandoned houses, digging up flowers, cedar trees, and raspberry plants to bring home and replant. Many of those plants are still growing today, serving as living reminders of the memories they created together. One of Jason's favorite memories was spending autumn days picking colorful leaves with his mom, carefully placing them between wax paper and in books to preserve them. Sue had a remarkable gift for finding creative ways to keep her children entertained without spending much money. Whether it was exploring the countryside, creating crafts, or turning simple moments into adventures, she showed her children that the best memories didn't come from things—they came from time spent together.

Her grandchildren brought her endless joy. She shared a special bond with Samantha from the day she was born, and Damon was her favorite fishing buddy. Whether spending time outdoors or simply making memories together, Sue's love for her family was evident in everything she did.

Sue is survived by her father, Lyle Wells; her sister, Donna Burbach (Pat); her brother, David Wells (Michelle); her son, Jason Nabity (Renae); her daughter, Keri Nabity; her grandchildren, Samantha Nabity (Dominic), Damon Nabity, Tommy Fischer, Emmy Fischer, and Alex Fischer; and her great-grandchildren, Cashton Fischer and Robbie Miller.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Wells; Roger Nabity; and Richard Johnson.

Sue will be remembered for her kind heart, her creativity, her unwavering love for animals and nature, and the joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply, the friendships she treasured, and the countless lives she touched with her compassion, laughter, and generous spirit.

To know Sue was to know kindness, laughter, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.