Sue Phelps, 96, of Tulsa, formerly of McAlester, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 14, in Tulsa.  Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home, and will conclude there.

Sue Phelps was born in Altus to Pat and Pauline (Mitchell) Ireland on Sept. 10, 1927, an only child, growing up mainly in Enid, but was always surrounded by family and friends.  She was raised in the Presbyterian Church, a commitment sustained throughout her life.  She lived a very social life and always looked at the positive side of things.  She always wanted those around her to be happy.

Sue attended OU and joined the Kappa sorority.  She always loved her OU football games.  It was at OU that she met her future husband, Don (also known as Da).  She was a theater major and he was in law school.  After college, they married and he took a job in McAlester.  He stayed with the same company as it grew and developed allowing them to start a family.  They began their journey in raising two sons and a daughter. They had many opportunities to move, but decided together to give their family the stability of a small-town life.  Sue was a very supportive wife and mother.  She also found time to volunteer in the community at the children's hospital.  She loved gardening, playing Bridge, swimming and going to dance clubs.  She became the caregiver for their parents.  After they passed and after Don's passing away, she quickly moved to Tulsa.  She bought a garden home, but struggled with some health problems after surviving carbon monoxide poisoning, but was able to enjoy some traveling.  Christmas was always a family favorite and very special time.  The formal dining room was set, lots of food, laughter and always a special prayer from Da; the traditional tree and the Foxy Grandma bumper sticker and piling in the car to drive and see Christmas lights.

Some of Sue's favorite things were pool time, cookouts, reading, and being with her grandkids.  She loved children's books and enjoyed reding them with a grandkid on her lap.  She always let them build the most elaborate forts, and was not concerned about mom having to clean it up.  She loved to share jokes and, of course, shopping.  Her colorful clothes and stylish red lips always reflected her cheerful nature.

Due to being diagnosed with PSP, a balance disorder, she spent much of her later years using a walker.  She also was frustrated after her hearing loss, as she was always chatting with others.  This aging process was just too slow paced for her!

Sue always wanted to know what was going on with everyone and the kids, as this was her window to the outside world.  Blended families and all, she truly enjoyed them and their time spent together.  She treasured her friendships with Bev, her sweet flower girl from her wedding, and her sweet Sandy, who became a dear friend, caretaker and rock.  Sandy was present through all the ups and downs and has supported Sue and us with love and patience.  She was a blessing to Sue, and never told her "No".  Even through all of her struggles, Sue lived a long, fun and blessed life.

You can honor Sue by donating to a children's organization, First Presbyterian Church, or the PSP foundation.