Susan Stone-Douglas, a true daughter of the Black Hills and a fourth-generation Pioneer, passed away on May 21, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the natural world and the arts. Her departure from this Earth, which she so dearly loved, has created a void in the hearts of her family and a vast network of friends and admirers who were touched by her genuine spirit and infectious enthusiasm for life. The outpouring of heartfelt messages shared on social media platforms following her passing is a testament to the profound impact Sue had on those fortunate enough to know her.
Born on December 16, 1947, in Lead, South Dakota, Susan was welcomed into the loving home of Ben R. Stone Jr. and Veronica Clark Stone. She joined her older siblings, Ben R. Stone III (1937-2018) and Charlotte Stone Carey (1938- ), and later became a doting older sister to William Jacob (Bill) Stone in 1949. Sue’s formative years were deeply rooted in Lead, where she received her education from Hearst Free Kindergarten through Lead High School, graduating with the class of 1965. This period forged many lasting friendships, a testament to her warm and engaging personality. Sue was a lifelong learner, an avid reader, and consistently strived to be an informed and passionate advocate in her various careers and personal pursuits.
Returning to the Black Hills in 1977 was a homecoming for Sue, allowing her to fully embrace her profound passion for the natural world. Her love extended to every facet of God’s creation, from the celestial wonders of the stars and the freedom of birds in flight to the smallest creatures and the very earth beneath her feet. This deep connection to nature was a cherished inheritance from three generations of Clark and Stone family members who instilled in her a profound respect for the natural world. Childhood memories were filled with the familiar hymn, “All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Wise and Wonderful, the Lord God made them All!” – a sentiment Sue embraced as her personal anthem, guiding her life lived in close harmony with the outdoors until her final days.
In 1987, Sue married Jerry Douglas (1950-2013), whom she met during her time working for the Forest Service. Their 23 years together were spent on Nemo Road, where Sue found immense joy in her “pasture” – the sprawling wilderness just beyond her back door. She relished the tranquility of her trees, the abundant wildlife that frequented her property, and the fascinating rocks scattered throughout the landscape. Jerry shared her love for the Black Hills, particularly enjoying countless drives through the forests and enthusiastically hauling home “tons of rocks” to add to Sue’s collections. Following Jerry’s passing, Sue quickly welcomed her brother Bill into the cherished tradition of these scenic drives. These “rides,” as they were known, were a beloved part of the Stone family life since childhood, initiated by their father Ben with the simple announcement, “let’s go for a ride!” When their brother Ben moved into nursing care, these drives became a weekly ritual, and after his passing in 2018, they evolved into an even more treasured brother-sister bond. Nothing escaped Sue’s observant eye during these excursions – a flash of a bird, an impressive tree, a unique rock formation, or any sign of wildlife would elicit her enthusiastic commentary. Through years of self-study and shared knowledge with family and friends, Sue developed an encyclopedic understanding of the Black Hills natural world, able to identify almost every plant, animal, and geological feature. She had a playful conviction that she could communicate with animals, particularly those that frequented her backyard, adding a touch of whimsy to her deep respect for nature. Sue found beauty in every season, with a special fondness for the vibrant colors of Fall and the reawakening of the forests in Spring. Even winter held a unique charm for her, with its stark blue skies, snow-laden trees, and the exposed geology of the landscape.
Prior to her return to the Black Hills, Sue spent several years in Des Moines, Iowa, refining her secretarial skills with Equitable of Iowa. The Clark/Stone family’s inherent wanderlust led her to experience life abroad, including a year in London, England, with Ben’s family, during which they ventured into Russia. She also embarked on a solo tour of Spain. Within the United States, she enjoyed extensive travels to both coasts with Charlotte and Ben. A memorable trip to visit Charlotte in Madison, WI, guided by nephew Bill Carey to his home in Columbus, Ohio, continued to Steubenville, Ohio, to explore their Stone family roots and cemetery – connecting her to generations past. Sue’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 the first decade of her life, Sue was immersed in music of all genres. She would playfully mimic her father conducting orchestras and, in later years, would enthusiastically play “air drums.” However, her true artistic passion lay in the visual arts, encompassing everything from Batik to Chihuly, Impressionism to Native American art. Her career in the Black Hills art scene began with several years at Dragons Are to Seldom, a local art establishment. Her organizational and communication skills soon came to the attention of South Dakotans for the Arts, who welcomed her as their Administrative Assistant. This role ignited her career in the arts, and she quickly became deeply knowledgeable about the art scene throughout South Dakota and the regional Arts Beyond Boundaries association. Sue dedicated twenty-four years to the art world, thriving in the company of artists and art enthusiasts. She was known for her genuine nature, greeting each day and every person with an infectious smile and unwavering enthusiasm.
Sue will be deeply missed by her older sister Charlotte Carey, residing in Madison, WI, and Charlotte’s son Bill Carey, who shared many cherished moments with Sue in the Black Hills. Her “little” brother Bill will feel the absence of his “big” sister Sue immeasurably; their bond deepened in recent years after Sue returned to town, evolving beyond typical siblinghood. Nieces Dena Stone Sandidge and Dixie Stone of Spearfish, and cousin Burt Row of Galena, will keenly feel her absence at family gatherings, noticing the empty space where Sue’s vibrant presence once filled the room. Her Iowa family, including former sister-in-law Mary Pat Stone and her children Veronica Rhiner and Ben R. Stone IV, with whom Sue shared many wonderful years during her time in Des Moines, will also feel her loss profoundly. Sue cherished her great-nieces and nephews and will miss watching them continue to grow into adulthood. Several cousins also mourn her passing, sharing special connections through mutual interests and shared family history. Also grieving the loss of Sue is Carol Meyer, a dear friend who became especially close to her in recent years.
Susan Stone-Douglas’s final rites will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Lead, the family church for nearly 140 years, on June 19th at 1:00 PM. Following the service, she will be interred in a private ceremony at the National Cemetery. In keeping with Sue’s spirit, her family suggests that attendees feel free to wear tee shirts that reflect their personal style, though Sue herself also enjoyed dressing elegantly for special occasions, often adorned with her cherished jewelry. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Christ Episcopal Church, Twin City Animal Shelter, and the Lead Deadwood Arts Center, organizations that reflected Sue’s values and passions.
