An expanded obituary project of MennObits.  Includes additional information of obituaries appearing in
The Mennonite and other newspapers.   Source of individual obituaries given with each record.  Project managed by Thelma Martin.

1985  W to Z

Our mother, Mary Susan, was born to Charles W. and Msry Frences Winey Cooprider in McPherson County, Kansas on May 23, 1906. Until she came to California In 1982 she lived her entire life within three miles of her birthplace.

Susan attended Hesston Academy for her high school and normal teacher training. She then taught two years in her home grade school at Hayes Center.

In 1927 she became a member of the West Liberty Mennonite Church at Windom, Kansas after her baptism. She remained a member of the Mennonite Church Conference until she transferred her membership to the Reedley First Mennonite Church in 1982.

In 1927, she married Ernest S. Zimmerman and they celebrated their 58th anniversary on May 5. To this union were born four children: Wayne Zimmerman of Reedley; Erna Chittenden of Tempe, Arizona; Mary Gardner of Sandia Park, New Mexico and Karen Zimmerman of Upland, California. In addition to her husband and children, ahe is survived by seven grandchildren: Roger, LeAnne and Lance Zimmerman; Mark and Scott Chittenden; Nary Lois Callahan and Geyle Gardner; her daughter-in-law, Martha, and sons-in-law, Gordon Chittenden and Guy Gardner and her only sister, Pauline Lundberg of McPherson, Kansas.

Mother was a1waya active In the church and responded to many needs. She taught In Sunday School and Bible School, served in the Women'a Missionary Service Commission and served many years with the auxiliary of Pleasant View Home of Inman, Kansas.

Mother used her exceptional sewing talent to serve others. She sewed for MCC, made bridal gowns, and clothing for friends and relatives, as well as for her children and husband.

For 18 years she enjoyed cooking for children in school cafeterias. She taught many children to enjoy foods that they didn't think they liked. After her retirement, she was able to give more of her time to cooking for church functions end she enjoyed the fellowship with other women of the church in food preparation. During her recant illness she expressed regret at being unable to work with friends in the church kitchen. She was happiest when she could do things for others.

A fire destroyed all their earthly possessions and their home in Kansas. From this loss she learned the lesson of accepting help in adversity and this attitude carried over into her final illness. After the fire, Susan end Ernest lived in another home for two years and in 1982, moved to Reedley, California and took up residency in one of the apartments at the Sierra View Homes Retirement Living Center. They enjoyed being part of the caring community there. About one year ego, Susan learned she had cancer and she terminated this life on September 23 [1985] and entered "the joy of her Lord."

Submitted by: Don Stutzman