Susan Vee Willey's Obituary
Susan Vee Willey, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend passed away
peacefully at home in American Fork, Utah, on June 25, 2023. She had endured a patient battle
with cancer but “graduated” from the school of lifelong learning.
Susan was born the 27th of August,1972, Inglewood, California, to Virginia Louise Allen Willey
and Harold Vance Willey. Her middle name, spelled V E E represents both her grandmother
Vergie Wilkins Allen and her mother Virginia as well as her father's middle name of Vance.
Susan's older brother, Donald Harold Willey, remembers that he worried, when she was born,
that he would have to help change diapers. But, he said, “that never happened.” In her early life,
Susan loved small furry animals, helping her grandmother tend a garden, and music. One fond
memory she had was crawling under her mother’s grand piano and plucking the strings until her
brother, Don, told her to stop!
In her preteen years, Susan won trophy awards for her ice skating skills. She loved riding her
bicycle as fast as she could go downhill, calling herself an “Evil Knievel” girl. In her teen years,
she entered pageants where she modeled and sang popular songs. These were happy
memories for her. One favorite trip she took was a week on the beaches of Hawaii, with her
mother. That was an extra special occasion, because her mother passed away while Susan was
still a young woman.
As a young adult, Susan moved to Utah where she found jobs and lots of friends, learning to
live independently. She always had an interest in others, asking questions and listening to learn
more about them. She loved to read and one of the favorite things she did even at the end of
her life was reading stories weekly to a friend’s daughter. Susan had a childlike joy. She loved
quiet time in her home and enjoyed serving in the Provo temple.
Susan was passionate about healthy eating, following the example of her grandmother, Vergie
Wilkins Allen. Vergie was married to Joseph Allen who managed and then bought grocery
stores in Prescott, Arizona.
No doubt, Susan was happily reunited in the spirit world with her parents and grandparents who
had preceded her in death. Her body will be interred alongside them, as well as pioneer
ancestors, in the Mesa City Cemetery, Mesa, Arizona.
She is survived by her brother, Donald Harold Willey; sister in law, Barbara Rowe Willey, and
two nephews, Ryan Willey, and Kyle Willey, Aunt Barbara Wright, Aunt Ann Merkle.
Susan would want us to thank her family, particularly Aunt Barbara Allen Wright, as well as
nurses, hospice volunteers, and friends in the American Fork 43rd ward for the countless acts of
service on her behalf. She was always gracious and grateful for this.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28th at the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 240 South Center Street, American Fork, Utah.
What’s your fondest memory of Susan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Susan?
Share a story where Susan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Susan you’ll never forget.
How did Susan make you smile?