Susan Lea Fowler-Hentzler

Susan Lea Fowler-Hentzler, age 64, passed away from rapidly progressing esophageal cancer on April 28, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Family and service were the two pillars of her life.

Susan was born on May 28, 1959, in Ottawa, Kansas, and grew up in Berryton, Kansas. She spent her formative years helping her parents on the family farm with her brothers and sisters. She graduated from Shawnee Heights High School and earned a bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management from Kansas State University in 1983. Her married name was Davidson from 1981 to 1986. Susan left Kansas in 1985 to serve as a Park Ranger at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Gateway National Recreation Area in New York City, and Enid Lake in Mississippi.

She returned to Kansas in 1988 and started a career at Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, retiring in 2022 as Recreation Superintendent. She received many awards and honors during her lifetime for leadership and mentorship (particularly to younger women). She was involved in many civic groups including the Kansas Parks and Recreation Association and the Parent Teacher Organization at Pleasant Hill Elementary. Susan was elected to the Seaman Board of Education and served as president from July 2013 to June 2014.

Susan married William Bret Hentzler on July 11, 1992. Two sons completed their family. She spent much of her free time coaching her sons' soccer teams, attending band concerts, volunteering at church, and judging at debate tournaments. Later in life, she traveled more visiting her sons and spending as much time as possible with her granddaughter. She loved gardening, crafting, gathering with family and friends, baking, and hosting for the holidays. Everyone was always welcome at her table.

Susan is survived by her two sons, William Joseph Hentzler and his partner, Jonathan Lee Poquiz, and Benjamin Nathan Hentzler and his wife, Kylie Quay Hentzler, née Lummus, and granddaughter, Luna Gray Hentzler; her sisters, Darcy Stamm and Jan Monhollon; her brothers, Thad Fowler, and Matt Fowler; her sister-in-law, Crystal Fowler-Srna; seventeen of her eighteen nieces and nephews; and many more family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Ray Fowler and Dorothy Ferne, née Turrentine; her brother, Nathan Fowler; and, her ex-husband, William Bret Hentzler.

A graveside service for Susan will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Berryton, Kansas followed by a celebration of her life at noon at her home in Topeka. Signage will be found at Collins Park. Those who wish to express sympathy may donate in Susan's name to Omni Cricle, a Topeka non-profit.