Born: Thursday Jun-29-1950
Died: Saturday Jun-12-2021
Funeral: Private Service

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Susan Paul, a retired school teacher, bartender, friend, and life-long resident of Rupert, died peacefully on June 12, 2021, at the age of 70 from cancer. 

Susan is survived by four children: Jacob Paul (Todd) of Austin, TX; Robyn Davis (Ethan) of Hailey, ID; Jonathan Paul (Tiffany) of Caldwell, ID; and Zachary Paul (Ashley) of Rupert, ID. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and her siblings Deana Sanchez, Denis Kowitz, Ron Kowitz, Janie Bingham, David Kowitz, and their respective families. She is predeceased by her son, Nathan Paul, brothers Robert and Kenneth Kowitz, mother Lois Kowitz, and father Julius Kowitz.

Susan was born to Julius and Lois Kowitz on June 29, 1950 in Rupert, ID where she was the third of eight children. Raised on a small farm just outside of town, she quickly learned the value of hard work and good life values set by her parents. She attended Minidoka County Schools and Idaho State University, where she obtained a degree in education. She gave over 40 years of service as an educator in Minidoka County. In addition, Susan spent several years as a part-time bartender, where she developed wonderful relationships with the community. Often referred to by her loved ones as Suz, Susie, or SuziQ, she was a soul full of spirit, generosity, and laughter. She lived by the example of hard work, no gossip, dedication and service to others, and always doing your best. 

Suz had an affinity for children, especially her grandchildren, cooking and baking, gardening, socializing, and spending time with her friends. Never one to shy away from an Idaho adventure, you’d find her on the golf course, white water rafting, dancing, or tossing a game of darts. She set an example of good naturedness for all of those around her. Her devotion to her friends, family, and students will leave an everlasting legacy and impression on many. Her mission was to serve those who were less fortunate--especially kids. Suz always made you feel welcome, no matter who you were or where you came from. She was a believer in the good Lord and appreciated the blessings that were cast upon her life.

As our family wrestles with the loss of such a great friend, mother, and grandmother we know that we are blessed to call her that. A very special thank you to those who’ve reached out in kindness with your condolences and sympathies, as well as a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Hospital.

Susan, a notoriously private person, has opted not to have a funeral or memorial services. We invite you to celebrate the memory and joy of her life by thinking of her and sending her your prayers. It’s hard to encapsulate such an amazing life into a few paragraphs. She made us and her friends laugh and feel loved, and that is going to be difficult to live without. May she forever be with those who paint our sunsets. Godspeed, Suz. We love you.

Poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver

 

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

Condolences for Susan K Paul

Condolence
Best teacher i ever had still remember her from the 2nd grade at pershing

Travis Watson

Condolence
To Susan's family and friends. I am so sorry for the loss of the special lady. You are in my prayers.

Nonnie Osterhout Johnston

Condolence
I’ll hold Memories of our nearly 60 year Friend in my heart, my forever friend.

 Vicky Booth

Condolence
One of my favorite teachers. She was my 5th grade teacher at acequia grade school. She was so kind and compassionate. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Kathy Moon Sturm

I came to know and respect Susan through our employment together at Rupert Elementary. She was a master teacher. I have fond memories of our time together...Peggie Price