Suzanne Clare Campbell Gieringer, age 94

From growing up with thirteen siblings to raising seven sons, Suzy Gieringer’s joy in life was being surrounded by her beloved family. At the age of 94, she passed away on December 10, 2024 surrounded by many family members telling stories, praying, and singing beloved hymns and Christmas carols. Suzy was married to her true love Wally (Wallace Gieringer, Sr.) for 74 years, and she was the proud matriarch of an ever-growing family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born Suzanne Clare Campbell on December 18, 1929 in Dayton, Ohio, she was known as Suzy, Sue, Mrs. Gieringer, Mom, Mama, Grandma, and the long-awaited title of Granny. Suzy grew up proud to be a Campbell, not a middle child but “the youngest of the girls” and “the oldest of the little boys.”

Suzy married Wallace Gieringer, Sr. on September 19, 1950 in Dayton, Ohio at Immaculate Conception Church, officiated by her brother, Father John Campbell. Wally and Suzy had met at Wright Patterson Air Force base where Suzy was a secretary (not yet trained in the art of the envelope stretcher) and Wally was a clerk typist who later earned his pilot wings. They raised their family primarily in Farmington, Missouri, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas, before retiring to Hot Springs Village. Mrs. Gieringer always found ways to get involved in the local Catholic church and organizations such as women’s leagues, and she rarely said no to a good cause. Throughout their long marriage, the Gieringers traveled the world, including memorable trips to the Holy Land and Medjugorje.

Suzy’s many talents benefitted her loved ones: her cooking and baking, such as her award-winning apple-rhubarb pie recipe published in Better Homes and Gardens; her crafting and sewing, even making pillow cases for family members into her 90s; her singing voice, bringing joy and family memories. Grandma introduced her children and grandchildren to books like the Chronicles of Narnia, movie musicals, and stories of saints and miracles. She taught them to pray the rosary, took them to mass, and modeled a prayer life of constancy and sincerity. She also hosted them for countless sleepovers, summer visits full of “Summer Olympic” events, and many hours of playing dice or other games. While she was unshakable in her faith, she was also a hilarious storyteller and quite the prankster. If you didn’t know her, ask her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, and you’re sure to hear a memorable “Grandma story.” As Wally said to Suzy on her final day on Earth, she was our “guiding star.”

Suzy’s parents and siblings, her son David, and her granddaughter Heather welcomed her to heaven. She is missed here by her husband Wally and the rest of their family. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, or Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg, Indiana. A rosary at 10:00, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00, will be held on Monday, December 16 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com