Susan Lorraine Neel, daughter of Wallace and Carolyn (Bonat) Thornhill, was born in California on Sep. 30, 1962, and passed away suddenly on May 25, 2021, in Shawnee, Kan., at the age of 58. Susan was the youngest of four children. In 1963, the family moved to a dairy farm near Mountain Grove. She helped with some of the farm chores, including barn jobs and picking up rocks. She had a special fondness for kittens. There were many gatherings with extended family where she enjoyed being with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She had many good memories of those times. She graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1980. Her further education began at Missouri Southern College in Joplin, followed by obtaining a certificate in Dental Assisting from Ozarks Technical College in Springfield. Her working career was in banking and dental assisting. She worked with dentists in Mansfield and Springfield before her marriage in 1985 to Lynn Neel, who she met while working in the dental office in Springfield. They made their home for 36 years in Shawnee, Kan. When family members had a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion, she acknowledged and honored them with a card. She was a sweet, kind, very thoughtful, and compassionate person, always thinking of others. She was a good cook. She and her husband did everything together. Susan had a good sense of humor, keeping others laughing. Susan had a special place in the hearts of her family and will be fondly remembered and not forgotten.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, Wallace Thornhill. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Lynn Neel; her mother, Carolyn Thornhill; siblings, Denise Thornhill (Beth Rakke), Melanie Hollandsworth (Dennis) and Terry Thornhill (Annette); three nieces, Kyla (Aaron), Betsy and Holly; aunts, uncles and many cousins and friends who will miss her very much. Visitation for Susan Neel was held Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Funeral services followed the visitation at 11:30 a.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gene Edwards officiating. Song selections were “Love Divine,” “Precious Memories” and “Beyond The Sunset”with Diana Edwards serving as musician. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
