Susie Esterline

Susie Chopper Esterline, 97, Independence, MO and Oklahoma, passed into eternal life on April 16, 2012. She was born September 30, 1914 in Eucha, OK the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Tanner) Chopper. Susie was full blooded Cherokee and a Citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. During WWII, she worked for Douglas Aircraft assembling B-17 bombers. Susie was a member of the Lawrence Indian United Methodist Church in Lawrence, KS and loved being involved in numerous church activities. She enjoyed sewing and gardening. Susie was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph in 1989, daughter, Mary Lee Ellis in 2011 and her parents.

Survivors include her daughter, Suzanne Gray and husband Joe; son, Raymond F. Esterline and wife Donna; son-in-law, Jim Ellis; ten grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; seven great great grandchildren; sister Jewell F. Shotpouch, and was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother to all.

Memorial services will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Lawrence Indian United Methodist Church, 950 E. 21st St. Lawrence, KS, 66046. Inurnment at a later date in Eucha, OK. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence Indian United Methodist Church.