Susan Jane Herrick

June 8, 1945 - January 12, 2020

Susan Jane Herrick was born June 8th, 1945 in Jefferson, Iowa to Lester and Ruth (Barrett) Shadle. She passed away January 12th, 2020 in Jefferson. Susan grew up in Jefferson and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1963. On June 7th, 1964, she was united in marriage to Gerold "Jerry" Herrick at the Central Christian Church in Jefferson. To this union were born four sons. With three young sons still at home, she enrolled in college and became a Registered Nurse. Eventually, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of St. Francis and her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Arkansas. In both institutions she earned a 4.0 GPA. Throughout her nursing career, she worked at various facilities and in numerous specialties in central Iowa and in northwestern Arkansas. Susan became certified in both geriatric and oncological nursing, earning her "RNC" in both fields. She was absolutely committed to patient rights and patient advocacy as well as preceptoring those new to the nursing profession. Until recent years, Susan was active in several community organizations. She served as Worthy Matron in Zephyr chapter 454 Order of the Eastern Star in Grand Junction, Iowa. She was active in the Compassionate Friends bereavement organization, as well as being a past member of MENSA. In the 1970's, Susan participated in the East Greene School District PTA and served as den mother for Grand Junction's Boy Scout pack. Her love of reading was voracious and was only rivaled by her love for animals, most especially dogs, particularly her yellow Labrador Retrievers, "Connor" and "Samuel". For years, Susan was a passionate supporter of progressive politics within the Democratic Party and served in various leadership roles in The League of Women Voters. She was never afraid to speak up for those who, in her words, "couldn't speak up for themselves". She was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Ruth, brother Max, sister Doris Shadle, and son Kevan Chad Herrick. Those left to mourn her passing are her sons Gerold "J.R." Herrick and his wife Mary of Pringle, South Dakota, Michael "Mike" Herrick of Afton, Iowa, and Theodore "Ted" Herrick of Jefferson, Iowa, granddaughter Linda Oliver and her husband Justin of Parker, Arizona, grandson Gerold Herrick III of Bozeman, Montana, great grandchildren Jacob and Morgen both of Parker, Arizona, nephew Max L.B. Shadle of Scottsdale, Arizona and other relatives and many, many friends. In lieu of flowers, Susan would have loved for everyone to donate to their favorite animal rights organization or no-kill pet shelter and/or PAWS locally. No services are planned at this time.