Susan J. ‘Susie’ (Brooks) Bilderback, 63, Manhattan, KS, passed away Friday evening, October 18, 2019 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.

A Funeral Service will be at 1 PM, Sunday, October 27, 2019 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home in Atchison, KS. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Cummings (KS) Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor and memory of Susie are suggested to Ogden Elementary School in Manhattan, KS and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, 800 Kansas Ave., Atchison, KS. Words of remembrance and comfort may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com. A second gathering for a Celebration of Life will be held at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, at 315 S. 3rd Street in Manhattan, KS from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, November 9th, 2019.

Susan Joann Brooks was born on February 23, 1956 in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Duane and Onita (Barnett) Brooks. Susie attended schools in Atchison and graduated from Kansas State University, in Manhattan, with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Fashion and Marketing. Susie had worked at the B & H Shop and Litwin’s Clothing Store in Atchison prior to attending KSU. Following graduation from KSU, Susie began her career as an educator in the Early Childhood – Special Education Program for Neosho (MO) Elementary School. She later became the Home Economics instructor at the Neosho High School. When the family moved to Manhattan, KS, Susie worked as a para at Ogden Elementary School. In April of 2000, Susie began working for KSU Research and Extension as a Program Assistant with the Family Nutrition Program. After nineteen years she retired from KSU. However, her retirement only lasted a day as she began working as a Reading Specialist Coordinator for Northwest Elementary School in the Manhattan Public School District. Susie was a member of the KSU Alumni Association and KSEA – Kansas State Education Association.

Susie married Mike Bilderback on February 14, 1987 at the First Christian Church in Atchison. Susie was preceded in death by her parents.

Susie is survived by her husband of 32 years, Mike, of the home; two sons, Greg (Katherine) Bilderback of Junction City, KS and Ryan Bilderback of Lenexa, KS; granddaughter, Charlie and grandson, Wyatt, Junction City; two brothers, Steve (Patty) Brooks, Atchison and Mike (Mary Pat) Brooks, Lake of the Ozarks, MO; numerous nieces and nephews.