Sue Sloan

Aug 4, 1938 -

Jul 28, 2022

Betty Sue Norris, known as Sue to her family and friends, was born on Aug. 4, 1938, in Trust, N.C. She spent her childhood in North Carolina with her three brothers, Chuck, Cle and Mike, and Shirley Estill who became her lifelong best friend.

Sue married (Therrion) Jack Orchard and welcomed her first child, William Lee, on Dec. 28, 1959, in Lincoln Park, Mich. The family moved around for Jack's work and finally settled in Juneau, Alaska, in 1963.

Cindy Maria was born on May 3, 1965, in Juneau, and, shortly after, Sue moved with the two children to Anchorage, Alaska, and began her long career in the construction industry.

Sue's extensive office experience landed her in several fulfilling roles with local architects and building contractors, leading up to her manager role at Kiewit Construction. She became known within the industry for her unparalleled work ethic and dedication – everyone knew they could call on Sue and she would "get it done," If she was standing with her hands on her hips, you better pay attention!

In July 1995, Sue married Dick Sloan and the two lived in Birchwood in the house that he had built. The couple moved to Palmer, Alaska, in 1998, and surrounded themselves with loving neighbors and an extensive church family. Even after retirement, both Sue and Dick continued to keep in touch with their work friends from the construction field and extended their circle to include others locally who shared their interest in painting, coloring, many jigsaw puzzles and family games.

She enjoyed painting both rocks and canvases, gardening, flowers and mowing their enormous yard. She loved her Palmer community, taking drives and seeing the majestic mountains - setting up her kitchen table to always have a mountain view.

Sue passed away peacefully in her home on July 28, 2022, their 27th wedding anniversary, surrounded by her husband, daughter, son and extended family and friends.

Sue Sloan is survived by her husband, Dick Sloan; brothers, Cle Norris and Mike Norris (Karen); sister-in-law, Nancy Norris; son, Bill Orchard; daughter, Cindy Nelson; stepdaughter, Michelle Dalton (B.D.); stepsons, Daniel Sloan and Erik Sloan; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ermon and Ola Norris; and brother, Chuck Norris.

A funeral service was held at Lazy Mountain Bible Church on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, at 1 p.m., with viewing from 12 p.m.

Donations can be made in Sue's name to Alzheimer's Resource Center in Wasilla, 77 North Crusey Street, Suite B101, Wasilla, AK 99654, https://www.alzalaska.org/; or MyHouse in Wasilla, 300 North Willow Drive, Wasilla, AK 99654, https://myhousematsu.org/.

Condolences may be made online at LegacyAlaska.com.