Susan Robbin “Bear” Smith

Sue Bear passed away at the age of 64 Tuesday December 1, 2020 at University Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus. Topeka, KS due to Covid-19.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1956. Daughter of Mae Marie Robbin "Sue" and Milton James "Jim" Schneider.

Susan is survived by brothers Michael (Melinda) Schneider and David Schneider. Sister Leslie (John) Noller. Sons Ben Carlson and John Carlson. Grandsons Ivan and Myles. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Sue Schneider and her beloved sister Linda Marie Schneider.

Susan retired from Allied Paints. The family business where she among other things was a master at paint color matching. She knew just what to add to make that perfect color. She also worked a short time for Luce Press as a proof reader for publications. As she loved reading, this fit her to a T. As her last part time job, she worked for U.S.D. 501 as a special education bus para-professional.

Susan attended Jefferson West High School at Meriden, Ks. and finished at Topeka High School. If she could have, she would have been a life long student. She had an insatiable desire for learning and expanding her knowledge. Susan was proud of some of the honors she earned while attending Washburn University. Among them, becoming a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and being on the President's Honor Roll several times.

During Susan's early years she was very athletic (the tomboy of the family). Playing competitive women's fastpitch softball for The Allied Paint Bears. She was one mighty little catcher. Susan threw the Javelin and shotput for the Thunderbolt Track Team. As well as held several state records at the time.

Susan was a perfectionist. She enjoyed watching sports and old movies, playing the guitar, reading books, gardening and feeding the birds. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, her sons and grandsons. We can't forget Buddy, her dog of 15 years. Susan loved to take Buddy on car rides and visits to the paint store.

Susan donated to two charities. We believe she would want memorial contributions to go to: Helping Hands Humane Society 5720 SW 21st st. Topeka, KS 66604 and St Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

A private service is planned. Inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Topeka, KS.

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