Susan Merrell Niendorf

Susan Merrell Niendorf, 67, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, passed away Friday, March 3 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born Sept. 17, 1949 in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Ernest “Bud” Merrell and Billie Baker Merrell Burnett. She and Harry Jay Niendorf were married Jan. 23, 1970 in Clanton.

Susan was a graduate of Chilton County High School in Clanton and she attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. After her marriage, she and Jay lived in North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma and Tennessee before settling in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

She was a devoted wife and mother who cherished her family. Her granddaughters were a special joy in her life. Susan was a member of the Good Shephard Lutheran Church in Cape and remained confident in her Christian beliefs throughout her life. She was treasured for her patience and kind heart.

Loving survivors include her husband of 47 years, Harry “Jay” Niendorf; a son, Andrew (Melissa) Niendorf of Cape; a daughter, Elizabeth (Anthony) Sichi of Scottsdale, Arizona; her mother and father in-law, Harry and Belle Niendorf of Driggs, Idaho; a brother and sister in-law, Jack and Nancy Nalley of Austin, Texas; a sister, Katie Merrell of Austin, Texas; a brother in-law, John Niendorf of Driggs, Idaho.

Also surviving are two granddaughters, Claire Sichi and Sara Niendorf; nephews, Kai Niendorf and Lance (Amber) Rohlman; and nieces, Maiya Niendorf and Kelli Rohlman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Joe G. Burnett, and a niece, Jennifer Nalley.

A memorial service will be at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 18 at The Good Shephard Lutheran Church in Cape with the Rev. Weston Wildauer officiating. Local arrangements are by McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Online condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting Mccombsfuneralhome.com.