Suzie P Vance

Suzie P. Vance of Mt. Pleasant, Utah passed away on July 22, 2025. She was born on August 27, 1949 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Kent and Gerry (Burt) Peterson. She grew up in Orem, Utah and attended Orem High School. She then spent several years in the “Hippie House” in Salt Lake City with many of her friends that are still considered family to this day. After marrying the love of her life, Neal Vance, they moved to Mt. Pleasant and embraced the country life as they established “Vance’s Hog Heaven”.

Growing up as the daughter of a major league baseball player, Suzie traveled a lot as a young girl. She often recalled the time she spent living in Cuba while her dad played ball. After her dad passed away, she took the time to respond to all of the fan mail he continued to receive as the beloved, left-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.

Being the oldest sibling and having lost her mother at a young age, along with her natural caretaking nature, Suzie was the warm, soft spot where her brothers and sisters fell. She cared for, protected and advocated for each of them in the particular ways they most needed. Her role as the family matron carried into relationships with each of her nieces and nephews and even to their children. She was the great protector of her family.

Suzie loved fiercely. Her love for her husband, Neal, was no exception and they were married for 44 years before Neal passed away. Suzie was an incredible care giver to Neal as he fought many life-threatening illnesses over the years. She was also Neal’s dearest friend and party partner and they laughed endlessly together along with their numerous friends of various walks of life.

Of all the wonderful things in her life, her ultimate joy was her grandkids who lovingly called her Hokey; a name that she embraced as it became part of her identity over the past 13 years. “Hokey” was a fun, silly, loving grandma that truly lived for her “littles”. Suzie powered through illness and incredibly difficult circumstances over the past few years in order to have more time with her beloved grandchildren, Kole and Ivy.

Before her “littles” were born, her daughter Carly was her pride and joy. They were each other’s best friend.. and she was also Carly’s friends’ best friend. Suzie really was a true friend and a mother figure to so many.

As the school nurse at Wasatch Academy, she extended her role as a friend, mother figure, and caregiver helping the community thrive under her care. She loved her students, friends, and colleagues at Wasatch and she valued the time she spent learning, laughing, and crying with them. Every single one of them held a special place in her heart.

Anyone that knew Suzie, knew her laugh. Her sarcastic sense of humor is often the first attribute we think of when we reminisce of our time with her. She could make a good time out of any situation, and she could make a friend out of anyone she pleased. But God help those she wasn’t pleased to call a friend! Suzie had sass to say the least. If there was something needing to be said, no doubt she would say it. You never wondered where you stood with her. Blunt and blatantly honest, that one.

Suzie looked out for her people to no end. She was incredibly considerate and caring to those she loved. She always remembered birthdays and important events in our lives. She sent cards to all, for all occasions, and she made sure you knew you were loved. Suzie always went out of her way to be there for her family, friends, students, neighbors, and colleagues. We all thought we were her favorite; because we were.

Suzie made such a powerful impact on so many with her tie-dyed personality and compassionate heart. None of us will fully understand her legacy as it’s stretched so far and wide. Suzie has always been an advocate for peace and now she has found peace of her own.

Suzie was preceded in death by her husband (Neal Vance), her parents (Kent and Gerry Peterson), her brothers (Mike Peterson and Jim Peterson) and numerous dear friends.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law (Carly and Wade Gasser), her “littles” (grandchildren Kole Vance Gasser and Ivy Lou Gasser), her brother (Kent Peterson), her sister (“Leetel Seester” Debbie Peterson), and her honorary children (Kaci and Stephen Hardy).

Suzie’s remains will be laid to rest alongside her husband Neal at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at the Rasmussen Mortuary in Mt. Pleasant on Thursday, July 31 with visitation at 10:30 and memoriam at 11:00. Lunch and laughter to follow around noon at the Mt. Pleasant City Park.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to one of Suzie’s favorite charities:

March of Dimes: https://www.marchofdimes.org/donate

Habitat for Humanity: https://secure.habitat.org/site/Donation

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html  

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