Suzanne K. “Sue” (Shondel) McLeod

Suzanne K. “Sue” (Shondel) McLeod, 71, of Independence, Missouri, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on October 13, 2025.

Sue was born on May 31, 1954, in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up in Fairfield, where she spent her high school years as a proud pom-pom girl. She had an adventurous spirit and a heart that led her across the Midwest, living in Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and finally, Missouri—making friends and memories everywhere she went.

Sue spent most of her life in jobs where she could care for others, something that came naturally to her. She worked at Pizza Hut in Port Huron, Michigan, and loved telling stories about the excitement of Boat Night. Later, she cooked and waited tables at the dine-in Little Caesars in Corunna, Michigan—one of only a few dine-in Little Caesars in the country. In Independence, Missouri, she worked as a waitress and manager at Steak ’n Shake, where some of her fondest memories were made working side by side with her son, daughter, and future son-in-law.

Family was everything to Sue. When her kids were young, she would take summers off from work just to spend more time with them. She loved being part of their activities—encouraging her son to join a 4-H dog training club in Corunna Mi to train their new pup Sparky, and cheering him on in sports and Zion’s League. She was always there to support her daughter Rebekah in Girl Scouts, volleyball, and cheerleading.

Sue’s greatest joy came from being a mom, grandma, and great-grandma. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren lit up her world. She loved hearing their stories, spending time with them, and bragging about their latest accomplishments to anyone who would listen—whether it was a close friend or someone she just met.

In her quiet moments, Sue enjoyed cross-stitching, creating countless beautiful handmade pieces that she gifted with love to family and friends. She was also an enthusiastic collector—especially of nativity scenes. At one point in her life her collection included more than 100 of them, each unique and special to her. She also cherished her collections of Precious Moments figurines and Native American dolls, which reflected her appreciation for beauty and meaning in small things.

Sue had a heart that never stopped giving. She was the kind of person who always thought of others first, offering comfort, kindness, and laughter wherever she went. Her warm smile, sense of humor, and genuine care for people made her impossible to forget.

Sue is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Robert McLeod; her sisters Gail (Jerald) McClaran of Fairfield, IA, and Kim Shondel-Tamez (Robert) of Belton, TX; her children Josh (Elyse) McLeod of Independence, MO, and Rebekah (Jason) Lacey of Independence MO; her grandchildren Malachi (Sabrina Patterson), Ariana, and Benjamin Lacey, and Avery, Owen, and Kalan McLeod; Kristin (Larry) Braton; and her great-grandchildren Leo and Lyle Braton, and Aislinn Lacey.

She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Clarence Shondel and Melvena Shondel; her sister Gloria Combs; brother-in-law Robert Combs; and sister-in-law Jane Ann Goodwine.

Sue will be remembered for her generous spirit, her humor, and the love she poured into everyone lucky enough to know her. Her light will continue to shine through her family and the many lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sue McLeod will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, at Outreach Restoration Branch, 723 S. Crysler Avenue, Independence, MO 64052.

• Visitation: 10:00 a.m.
• Service: 11:00 a.m.

Family and friends are invited to join in remembering and celebrating Sue’s life and legacy.