Sue M. (Lietzan) Tarleton

Sue M. Tarleton, 84, of Deer Park, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2021.  She was born in Frankfort, IN on May 27, 1936 to Raymond and Bernice (nee Stinespring) Lietzan.

Sue was raised in Calumet City, IL and was the first person in her family to go to college.  She attended Drake University, where she met and married Ray Tarleton in 1956.  Upon her graduation, she joined Ray in Germany as he was stationed there with the US Army.  They returned to Illinois in 1959, started a family and settled in Lansing.

She began teaching full time when her youngest was in first grade.  Sue taught middle school science in Hammond, IN at Eggers School while earning her Master’s Degree from Indiana University.

When she retired from teaching, Sue became an advocate for students with no legal guardian in the School City of Hammond.   She was also a student teacher supervisor for National Louis University.

In 2004, Sue and Ray moved to Lake Barrington Shores.  She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, watching the Bears, and especially cherished the time she got to spend with those she loved.   Sue’s family and friends are already missing her wit, intelligence, keen sense of humor, thoughtful solutions for their problems and unending love.

Survivors include her daughters, Lori (Kevin) Rowe of North Barrington and Staci (Jerry) Cronin of Barrington; grandchildren, Leslie (Jared Epstein) Rowe, Hailey Rowe, Christopher Cronin and Holly Cronin; great granddaughter, Poppy Epstein; and her beloved cat, Spenser.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Tarleton; her parents, Bernice and Raymond Lietzan; and her brother, Raymond “Bud” Lietzan.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date when we are all able to gather again.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sue’s name would be appreciated to Eggers School, 5825 Blaine Ave., Hammond, IN 46320.