Susan was born Susan Louise Karraker to John and Patricia Karraker in the Philippines, where her father was stationed in the Air Force, on July 15, 1954. She gained her angel wings unexpectedly on October 1, 2021, at the age of 67.

She married Ted Schmelter, Sr., in 1976 in Wisconsin and they eventually moved to Alabama, settling in Decatur. Her husband was a truck driver and Susan worked for General Electric in Decatur for almost 20 years, retiring around 2012. She lost Ted, Sr., in 2000 to cancer. In April 2021, she married Thomas Jury, whom she had known since 1970.

Susan loved life and loved all animals. In her early adult years, she rode horses whenever possible and helped all animals whenever she could. She never had a pet free moment, and her loving companion, her dog Precious, was always at her side and meant the world to her.

Susan was always helping anyone who needed help or a place to stay. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and acquaintances.

Susan is survived by her three sons from her first marriage: Ted (Julia) Schmelter, Jr.; Devin (Christina) Schmelter; and Skylar (Marie) Schmelter; her brothers: John (Nancy) Karrraker; Mark (Rosa) Karraker; and Jim Karraker; and sister Mary Ponshock. Susan is further survived by her step daughter-in-law Angela (Michael) Sommers; 12 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Patricia Karraker; her first husband, Ted Schmelter, Sr.; her sister Sheila Karraker; sister-in-law Edith Karraker; and also the daughter and step son of her husband Tom: Janet Carol Jury and Collin Jury.

A graveside service will be held at a future date in Mattoon, WI. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter. Susan would be happy to know animals in need were being helped.