Sue Olmstead, 95
Sue Kathryn (Freeman) Olmstead, of Coeur d’Alene, died June 18, 2013. Sue “Susie” was born on a small farm in Dresden, Tenn., on Oct. 15, 1917, to Edd and Lela (Sanders) Freeman. She was the fourth of five children; brothers, Will, Edd Jr., Bonnie Lee and Thomas and younger sister, Carol.
Shortly after Sue was born the family moved to another farm in Henderson, Tenn., where she grew up and graduated from Pinson School (one school for all grades through high school). In her early 20s Sue decided to leave the farm and follow her two brothers, Bonnie Lee and Thomas, who had moved to Michigan. Sue was a dedicated and tireless worker at anything she took on and often worked multiple jobs to support her newly found independence.
She eventually went to work for a nylon mill and remained there until the lack of available supplies during World War II forced the mill to close. Sue then followed the advice of her brother, Tom, and moved to Southern California where she went to work at Lockheed Aircraft, helping to put together the planes needed for World War II (a real “Rosie the Riveter”). There she met and later married Al Olmstead.
When the war ended Al went to work in the construction industry and Sue became a homemaker and remained home to raise their only child, Al Jr. The family moved to Alaska when Al Sr. was transferred to work there for a number of years. They moved back to Southern California and Al Sr. became a licensed contractor. He started his own concrete construction business with Sue assisting as office manager and bookkeeper. However, she always said that her favorite avocation was being a homemaker, loving wife and mother. Sue and Al Sr. retired from their construction business in 1971 and moved to Coeur d’Alene to be close to their son, Al Jr. and his family.
Sue was active in the Beverly Hill’s Eastern Star and received her 50-year pin a few years ago. Throughout her life her Christian faith was of the utmost importance to her.
Sue’s passing was preceded by her husband, Al in 1978; her parents and brothers. She is survived by her son, Al Jr. (Andrea); two grandchildren, Scott (Melanie) and Brandi Olmstead; her sister, Carol Ballensky; and many beloved nieces, nephews (especially Gerald Freeman whom she loved as a brother) and many friends.
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same” — Adlai E. Stevenson II.
At Sue’s request, a private family graveside service will be held at Riverview Cemetery with Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene, is in care of the arrangements. You may visit Sue’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.