Susan Kay (Bruington) Unger passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Susan was born on October 26, 1939 to Lorene L. (Herod) and Reimer W. Bruington in Monmouth, IL.
Susan married the love of her life, Charles E. Unger on August 30, 1957 in Alexis. Their marriage was blessed with four children who survive: Charles B. (Lisa) Unger of Galesburg; Michael Unger of Galesburg; Lynda Unger Montgomery of Springfield; and Lora (Michael E.) Williams of Galesburg. She is survived by her seven grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Zach Unger of Galesburg; Colton (Willow) Unger of El Paso, TX; Cody (Chloie) Unger of Oneida; Jessica Montgomery Ornelas (Mike Ornelas) of Hoffman Estates; Katelyn “Katie” Montgomery of Springfield; Amanda Montgomery of Encino, CA, and Jake Montgomery of Lincoln. She was blessed with three great grandsons: Siris, Jameson and Joseph. She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her sisters and one brother: Margaret (Marmie) Fraser, Louise Terhune, Virginia Woodrow, Reimer W. (Tobe) Bruington; as well as brothers-in-law, Frank Unger; Ron Fraser; Elmer (Woody) Woodrow; Louis S. Terhune; and sisters-in-law, Louise Doney and Joan Potts. She is survived by two brothers-in-law, Neill (Jan) Unger of Galesburg and Lewis Doney of Galesburg; sisters-in-law, Carol Unger of Knoxville and Doris Bruington of Galesburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Susan graduated from Alexis High School in 1957. After the children were grown, Susan returned to school at Carl Sandburg College where she received her LPN license. She worked at several local nursing homes over the years retiring from Seminary Manor. She assisted in the care of her mother prior to her passing at the age of 101 in 2001.
Susan had an amazing ability to recall events and names from her life and her children’s lives growing up. If any information was needed within the family, everyone would ask Susan. She always enjoyed visiting with her children and grandchildren whether in-person or phone call or through Facebook. She loved having everyone filling her house on Thanksgivings and Christmases.
Susan was a longtime member of Faith Methodist Church in Galesburg, where she taught Sunday School for many years when the children were younger. She was an avid Chicago Bulls fan and enjoyed playing solitaire on her computer along with watching all the beautiful birds, especially Cardinals, out her front window. Blessed with an empathic and loving heart, Susan loved taking care of residents of the nursing homes she worked at and always loved when she could hold a baby.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 13, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Karna Peterson will officiate. Cremation will be accorded following services. Memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s memory to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Cure SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), or the Moebius Syndrome Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
