A valiant, faithful warrior to the very end, Suzanne (Sue) Harrison Fullmer, 83, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 22, 2023—no doubt so she could properly celebrate this year's Thanksgiving holiday with her beloved family in spirit!
She courageously battled the relentless, crippling effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis for 33 years with her bravest face, never allowing her condition to slow her down and never making excuses for not accomplishing what she desired—which was always a spotlessly clean house, first and foremost, where everything was exactly in place the way she wanted it—no exceptions!
Sue was born May 29, 1940, the second of two daughters born to Milton Henry Harrison and Leah Hales Harrison of Springville, Utah. She enjoyed an idyllic childhood and grew strong in faith, wisdom, and stature. She graduated from Springville High School in 1958 and attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo for three years. At BYU, she met Richard Allen Wright of Gooding, Idaho, and they were married in 1963, producing a child, Bradley Harrison, on April 9, 1967.
Sue married Richard (Dick) Smith Fullmer on January 27, 1970, and they welcomed a son into the world, Richard Smith Fullmer II, on September 1, 1971. The family moved to their long-time residence at 2150 Willow Brook Way in Sandy in January 1974. For the next 47-plus years, Sue made that home a veritable palace for her family, while showcasing her tasteful interior design skills.
Sue was an incredibly hard worker, and rarely took time off to just sit around and take it easy. In her mind, there was always something to do to improve the condition of the house. In the late 70s, Sue started providing child daycare services, a role that highlighted her genuine love and care for others—particularly the young children she looked after—and cemented her legacy as an ultimate homemaker and caregiver.
Beyond keeping her house immaculately clean, Sue had extraordinary cooking skills and could very well have been a world-class chef. You name it, she made it and made it well—a nod to the influence of her dear mother, Leah, who taught home economics as a schoolteacher into her mid-30s. Sue loved looking out her kitchen window and sliding glass doors at the majestic Wasatch Mountains to the east while she worked, always cognizant of the beauty of nature and the brilliance of our Creator.
During a six-year stretch from 1977-82, the family spent a week in the summer camping at Panguitch Lake, Utah, near Circleville, where Dick spent childhood summers with his grandmother. Those summer trips were glorious family times, replete with fishing, hunting for cool postcards at various gift shops, great food, and relaxing drives to Cedar Breaks.
Sue was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and relished her experiences in the Crescent 8th Ward over nearly five decades, where she developed dozens of close, personal friendships with so many incredible people. She faithfully served in various capacities within the Relief Society and was renowned for her promptness—always occupying her familiar spot on the right side back row pew—and insisted on leaving the house no later than quarter to the hour. Heavenly Father and Jesus, she reasoned, would never be late!
She truly loved her ward family. Her relationship with kitty-corner neighbors Les and Shaunne Hintze was particularly special, as they tirelessly served Sue and Dick for many years, before his passing in May 2017.
Sue transitioned to Crescent Senior Living Center in June 2021, where she resided until her passing. A nasty fall in late April of this year left Sue with a fracture of her C-1 vertebrae and precipitated her decline physically. Despite the physical limitations and incessant chronic pain she endured from arthritis, Sue rarely complained, and made it a point to express often how truly blessed she was, and how grateful she was for her loving family and many close friends. Her relationship with her dear sister, Jane, was unbelievably tight through the years, and they constantly buoyed each other up—through good times and bad times alike—with thrice-daily phone calls.
Our family offers its most sincere thanks to the many wonderful, loving people who cared for her around-the-clock during her final months in the memory care wing at Crescent Senior Living.
Sue is survived by: sister Jane Calder (87); sons Brad (Holly) and Rich (Chelci); grandchildren—Cody (Krislynn), Connor, Halli (Trevor), Ava, Heyden; step-grandchildren—Meilani, Ammon, Sam. Preceded in death by her husband, Dick.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the LDS Chapel at 2080 E. Pinecrest Lane, Sandy, Utah. Viewing from 9:00-10:45 am; Funeral Service from 11-Noon; Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah. Lunch for family and close friends will be served from 1-2:30 pm at the chapel.
For those unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to join via Zoom, at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86469768440.
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy.
I went to school with Suzanne and was one of our luncheon group that got together twice a year. Suzanne was the one that made all the arrangements for these. All of us will miss her. I am blessed to have shared a lifelong friendship with her.
Memories are special and you will realize this more everyday as you recall special times.
Best wishes to your families.
Sue was my neighbor for a few decades, always smiling, always beautiful, always a kind greeting and a witty comment. I‘ve been impressed by the way Sue and Dick compliment each other, tolerate each other, and unconditionally love each other. I’ll never forget her calling “Richie!!!” from down the street to come home for dinner every night. Now her hands don’t hurt and she can play that beautiful piano for her family. Godspeed Sue, we love you!
