Susan Berry

In honor of Susan Jan Berry, who joined her Heavenly Father on October 9, 2015. Sue was a wonderful woman, full of love and joy that she shared with the people around her. She came into this world 60 years ago, on April 25, 1955, forever changing the lives of her parents, Johannes and Irene (Berry) Gebbing and her sister, Dorothy. She had many stories to tell of her few years in Jersey, of the other children she used to play with and the dog she fondly remembered. But most of her stories were from her later years, after her family moved across the country to California. She grew up with her sister by her side, and with a daddy that gave her special treats after their weekend trips to the grocery store! She graduated from John Francis Polytech High School in Sun Valley, CA in 1973. She developed a love for the ocean during this time, and it followed her throughout her life. In 1979 she left California and moved to Arizona. This is where her daughter, Nicole, was born. A couple of years later she moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, which is where she would stay for the remainder of her life. on August 12, 1986, she married Richard Berry. She was working for the City of Grand Junction at the time, and eventually became an Administrative Assistant with the Grand Junction Fire Department. She enjoyed working with the public and she was able to pursue some other interests, such as working with juveniles, but the thing she enjoyed the most was working with the firefighters. She felt a very strong connection with "her guys" and had great respect for them. In her time away from work she loved spending time with her family, gardening and being involved with her church. She loved children and often times helped in the nursery and joined the youth group during special activities. She would arm wrestle with the kids, play silly games, and spread her contagious laughter! Later on in her life she was able to spend some time traveling with her husband. They took several trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and California; she was able to walk along the sandy beaches again, uncovering sea shells with her toes and feeling the waves rush up under her feet. These are the memories that stayed with her, even after Alzheimer's changed her life. She spent her days loving her family and loving the Lord. She had no greater desire than to be used by her Heavenly Father, no matter how He saw fit. She shared His love wherever she went and she was an example of His mercy and grace. Even in her last few weeks her love for the Lord was evident. And now, she has finally made it home. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Elizabeth Duckworh. Survivors include her husband, Richard Ray Berry, of Grand Junction, CO, three daughters, Nicole (Austin) Duckworth, Camren (Salvador) Olivas, both of Grand Junction, CO and Jessica (Able) Kellam, Lake Tapps, WA, a sister, Dorothy (Jim) Phalen, Williston, VT, six grandchildren, Gavin Duckworth, Liam Duckworth, Alyx Bradeen, Jacob Stretter, Emrah Akyol, and Ceylan Akyol; one nephew, Wyatt Vigil and one niece, Kate Vigil. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Brown's Chapel.