Susan Stone-Douglas, a cherished member of the Black Hills community and a true Black Hills Pioneer, passed away on May 21, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of love for nature, art, and her fellow human beings. Her life, deeply rooted in the Black Hills, touched many, as evidenced by the outpouring of heartfelt messages shared online upon news of her passing. As a fourth-generation Black Hills resident, Susan’s connection to the region was profound, shaping her passions and her very being. This obituary, in honor of her life, reflects on her contributions and the indelible mark she left on the Black Hills community, a story often chronicled in the Black Hills Pioneer Obituaries section.
Born on December 16, 1947, in Lead, South Dakota, Susan was welcomed into the loving family of Ben R. Stone Jr. and Veronica Clark Stone. She joined her older siblings, Ben R. Stone III and Charlotte Stone Carey, and later became a big sister to William Jacob (Bill) Stone. Her formative years were spent in Lead, where she received her education from Hearst Free Kindergarten through Lead High School, graduating in 1965. These early years fostered lifelong friendships and instilled in her a thirst for knowledge that she pursued throughout her life, becoming an avid reader and a passionate advocate in her various pursuits.
In 1977, Susan returned to the Black Hills, the landscape she deeply adored. Her passion extended to every facet of nature, from the celestial wonders above to the smallest creatures on earth. This profound appreciation for the natural world was a family inheritance, passed down through generations of Clarks and Stones who understood the importance of respecting all living things. Her mother often sang “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” a hymn that became Susan’s personal anthem, guiding her life lived in close harmony with nature. Whether exploring forests or tending her garden, Susan remained connected to the natural world until her final days.
Susan’s life took a new turn in 1987 when she married Jerry Douglas, whom she met while working for the Forest Service. Their 23 years together were spent on Nemo Road, where Susan found solace in her “pasture” filled with trees, abundant wildlife, and fascinating rocks. Jerry shared her love for the Black Hills, often accompanying her on drives through the forests, indulging in “schlepping home tons of rocks.” Following Jerry’s passing in 2013, this tradition continued with her brother Bill, transforming into weekly excursions. These “rides,” a cherished part of the Stone family tradition since childhood, were more than just drives; they were opportunities to observe and appreciate the intricate details of the Black Hills landscape. Susan’s keen eye noticed every bird, unique tree, rock formation, and creature. Through dedicated self-study and shared knowledge with family and friends, Susan developed an encyclopedic understanding of the Black Hills natural world, confidently identifying almost every element within it. Her connection to animals was so profound that she playfully claimed to converse with the creatures that frequented her backyard. She embraced every season, with a special fondness for the vibrant colors of fall and the reawakening of spring. Even winter’s stark beauty, with its clear blue skies and snow-covered landscapes revealing the geology beneath, held a special appeal for her.
Before returning to her beloved Black Hills, Susan spent several years in Des Moines, Iowa, refining her secretarial skills at Equitable of Iowa. Her adventurous spirit, another Stone-Clark family trait, led her to London, England for a year, traveling extensively with her brother Ben’s family, including a memorable trip to Russia. She also embarked on a solo tour of Spain. Within the United States, she enjoyed extensive travels to both coasts with her siblings Charlotte and Ben. A particularly meaningful trip with Charlotte, guided by nephew Bill Carey, took them to family roots in Columbus, Ohio, and Steubenville, connecting them to Stone family history and cemeteries.
Susan’s passion for the arts was as vibrant as her love for nature, inherited from generations of cultured ancestors who arrived in the Black Hills during the Gold Rush era. Growing up without television for her first decade, Susan was immersed in music, even mimicking her father conducting orchestras. While music held a place in her heart, visual arts were her true passion, ranging from Batik to Chihuly, and from Impressionist to Native American art. Her career in the Black Hills art scene began at Dragons Are to Seldom. Her organizational and communication skills soon caught the attention of South Dakotans for the Arts, where she became an Administrative Assistant. This role allowed her to immerse herself in the South Dakota and Arts Beyond Boundaries regional art world for twenty-four fulfilling years. Susan’s genuine nature and ever-present smile were hallmarks of her personality, endearing her to everyone she met.
Susan is lovingly remembered by her older sister, Charlotte Carey, her brother Bill Stone, nieces Dena Stone Sandidge and Dixie Stone, cousin Burt Row, and her Iowa family, including former sister-in-law Mary Pat Stone and her children Veronica Rhiner and Ben R. Stone IV. She also leaves behind numerous great-nieces and nephews. Special mention is due to Carol Meyer, a close friend who became an integral part of Susan’s life in recent years.
Susan’s final rites will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Lead, the Stone family church for nearly 140 years, on June 19th. Following the service, a private interment will take place at the National Cemetery. In remembrance of Susan, and reflecting her personal style, the family suggests attendees wear tee shirts that express individuality, though Susan herself also appreciated dressing elegantly for occasions. Memorial contributions can be made to Christ Episcopal Church, Twin City Animal Shelter, and the Lead Deadwood Art Center, reflecting her diverse passions. Susan Stone-Douglas’s life, a rich tapestry woven into the fabric of the Black Hills, will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her obituary serves as a testament to a life well-lived, a story now part of the Black Hills Pioneer obituaries, ensuring her memory lives on within the community she so dearly loved.
