Suzanne Coil

Memorial service for Suzanne Schwantes Coil, 74, Lawrence, will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary.  She died March 1, 2009, at Medicalodges-Eudora, where she spent the last eight years.

She was born October 11, 1934, in Hobart, Oklahoma, the daughter of Joseph E. and Anne (Patterson) Schwantes. 

She graduated Valedictorian from Winfield High School.  She studied Education and Home Economics at the University of Kansas, earning her B.S. in 1956 and her M.S. in 1967.  She taught at Evans Junior High School, Washington High School, Olathe Junior High School in the Kansas City area.  She taught at the University of Kansas and Baker University before serving 12 years at Lawrence High School where she taught sewing, child development and parenting.  In 1983, she taught at Banker University in the Business Department.  She created the Fashion Merchandising program. 

She served in several organizations including the United Way, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Board, Kaw Valley Girl Scout Council, Douglas County 4-H, Lawrence Public Library Board, Douglas County Home Economists, University of Kansas Mortar Board, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and P.E.O.  She was a member of the member of the Plymouth Congregational Church where she sang in the choir.

Survivors include her husband, William, Lawrence; a daughter, Millicent Coil, Monona, WI; two step-sons, Larry Coil and wife, Terry, Atlanta, GA; and James Coil and wife, Patricia, Tacoma, WA; a sister Nancy Schwantes, Las Vegas, NV; eight grandchildren, Raven and Teal, Monona, WI,  Benjy, Kim, Will and Susie, Atlanta, GA, Jeffrey and Dylan, Tacoma, WA; and two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Chloe, Atlanta, GA. 

The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 6, at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and sent in care of the mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com; Subject:  Coil.