Susan “Sue” Marie Bartlett, 77, of Saratoga, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Laramie following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Her suffering is over, and she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Garland, and those who went before her.

Sue was born May 24, 1949, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Howard and Joan Kunesh. She was blessed to have a wonderful childhood thanks to her parents and siblings: Steven, Cynthia, Lynn, Mark, and Jeff. She had the opportunity to travel state to state due to Howard’s career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. She loved traveling where Howard’s job took them, including Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, South Dakota, New York, Utah, and Wyoming. She graduated from Saratoga High School in 1967 and went on to attend the University of Wyoming School of Nursing, graduating in 1971.

On June 12, 1969, Sue married the love of her life, Garland Bartlett, in Saratoga, Wyoming. Together they built a life centered around family, service, hard work, and love. Garland was not only her husband, but her companion and best friend for many years. They were fortunate to welcome three children, Kristin, Greg, and Karin, into their family. Sue was proud to raise her children in the Wyoming Ranch way.

Sue devoted her professional life to caring for others. She was proud to have a nursing career that spanned 43 years, including serving as a public health nurse for Carbon County for 33 years, touching the lives of countless patients and families throughout the community. Nursing was far more than a career to Sue—it was a calling. She cared for her patients with genuine compassion, patience, humor, and tenderness. She remembered people, listened to their stories, and made them feel seen and valued.

Her patients loved her deeply and appreciated the way she cared for them. Many remembered Sue not simply as their nurse, but as someone who truly cared about them as people. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel comfortable and cared for, and the relationships she formed with her patients continued long after their visits ended. Her influence went far beyond the medical care she provided; she gave people kindness, dignity, encouragement, and friendship when they needed it most. Her years of service left an enduring mark on the community she loved.

Sue was a woman of many interests and talents. She was an avid daily journal keeper for more than 50 years, carefully recording the experiences, memories, and moments that made up her life. She loved family history and spent countless hours preserving her family’s stories and memories. She especially enjoyed making scrapbooks for her grandchildren and creating handmade cards for the people she loved.

She also generously gave her time volunteering at Bridge Street Bargains, where she became a familiar and beloved presence. Wherever Sue was, she had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She is survived by her children, Kristin (Kwin) Wilkes, Greg (Heather) Bartlett, and Karin (Christopher) Morley; her grandchildren, Tyler Wilkes, Gage Bartlett, Brady Wilkes, Gavin Bartlett, Grady Bartlett, Grant Bartlett, Mason Wilkes, and Griffin Bartlett; and her great-grand-son, Evan Wilkes. She also leaves behind countless extended family members and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Garland Bartlett; her parents, Howard Kunesh and Joan Kunesh; and her brother, Steve Kunesh.

Sue leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the number of years she lived, but by the number of lives she touched. Her family will remember her for her devotion, humor, strength, and love. Her patients will remember the nurse who cared for them as though they were family. Her friends will remember her kindness and generous spirit. And all who knew her will remember a woman who understood the importance of preserving memories—and who made so many beautiful memories for others along the way.

Though she will be profoundly missed, Sue’s family finds comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and that the love she gave so freely will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

Interment will be at Saratoga Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Casada Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Drive, Laramie,WY 82070 or Bridge Street Bargains, 112 E. Bridge Ave, Saratoga, WY 82331, organizations that held special meaning to Sue and her family.