Susan K. Stanton

Susan K. Stanton, age 78, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Parkview Heights in Garnett.

Born on April 7, 1948, in Ottawa, Kansas, Susan Kay McDonald was the first of two children welcomed by James E. and Cleta (Strobel) McDonald. While working as a waitress at the Emporia Eagle's Club in 1969, she met the love of her life, David Stanton. Their marriage on June 30, 1972, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia, began a partnership that would last for 53 years and was blessed with two children, Carrie and Tony.

Graduating from Garnett High School with the class of 1966, she maintained lifelong bonds with many school friends who provided love and support for over 70 years. She then attended the Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, earning her teaching degree in 1970 and a Master's in 1976. For 40 years, Mrs. Stanton taught 1st grade and Kindergarten at Longfellow and Irving schools until her retirement in 2010. Susan was recognized as Teacher of the Year. Her long career in her hometown afforded her many relationships that spanned several generations and she was proud to have taught three generations of a few local families.

Faith and service stood as pillars throughout her life. As a lifelong member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, she served on the Parish Council, the Altar Society, and as a Eucharistic Minister for the homebound for over 20 years. Her community involvement included, 11 years on the Garnett Housing Authority Board, 15 years as a volunteer for the Anderson County Hospital Auxiliary, and 15 years as a dedicated volunteer at St. Rose School.

Beyond her professional and volunteer life, hobbies included painting, gardening, and tending to her vibrant flowers. Gathering with friends and family brought her immense happiness. She loved Taco Tuesdays, welcoming trick-or-treaters each Halloween and visiting with neighbors. Susan enjoyed taking vacations with friends. Some of their travels included, Hawaii, Mackinac Island, and attending the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque. Lake trips to Beaver, Table Rock and Melvern were treasured times with the Stanton and McDonald families for many years.

Above all, the roles of wife, mother, and grandma defined her heart. Watching her grandsons grow was her greatest joy. Every holiday featured thoughtful gifts, hiding Easter eggs, or spreading homemade reindeer food, all carefully prepared by Grandma. Her teaching skills helped shape her grandsons' lives, and she remained a constant presence at every sporting event or school activity, regardless of the weather. Her patient and steady nature will be missed in the lives of her loved ones.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her beloved husband, Dave Stanton, who passed away on January 4, 2026.

Survivors include her children, Carrie Stanton and David Head, and Tony and Kaylene Stanton; three grandsons, Will, Hudson, and Hank; her brother, Mike and Marilyn McDonald; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, followed by burial at Holy Angels Cemetery. A Rosary is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Holy Angels Catholic Church, with visitation immediately following from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose School or Holy Angels Church and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.