Sue Johns Christopher, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 5 at the age of 76 after a brief illness with a rare disease. Born in Afton, Wyoming to Leonard and Elda Johns, she was the second-to-youngest of six siblings.

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A woman of immense strength and determination, Sue worked tirelessly to give her children the best opportunities in life. She found joy in planning memorable family vacations, making sure her kids and grandkids experienced fun and adventure. From Disneyland to beach trips to national parks and more, she created cherished memories that her children and grandchildren will hold in their hearts forever.

Sue dedicated her life to her family, ensuring that they always knew the depth of her love through her hard work and support. Her greatest pride was seeing her children and grandchildren thrive, you would often hear her touting what they had accomplished or what they were currently working on. She was a proud mother and grandmother.

Sue made friends wherever she went. Whether it was a neighbor, a co-worker, or even a stranger, she had this incredible ability to make people feel seen and heard. Many of the life-long bonds she made happened at work. She loved her jobs and found great pride and fulfillment throughout her career.

“Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near.”

For several years, she worked as a receptionist at Hansen Planetarium where she was known for her fun, welcoming demeanor and a love of informal science. Her dedication went beyond her daily duties, as she played an integral role in the coordination of one of the planetarium’s most significant events—a visit by the world-renowned theoretical physicist, Dr. Stephen Hawking.

Later, Sue took a job with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department as a civil servant Investigator in the Special Victims Unit helping locate runaway and missing persons. During this time, she earned a bachelor’s degree in science with an emphasis in criminal justice. She loved her job, and felt she could help make a difference.

Sue will be remembered for her sense of humor, feistiness, resilience, and honesty. Her legacy lives on in her children, who carry forward the values she instilled — hard work, determination, and a spirit of adventure.

Sue is survived by Ken Christopher (husband), her children Matt Christopher, Andrea Doubek and her husband Joe, and Tara Christopher; grandchildren McKenzie, Jordyn, Jadyn, Kyan, and Max; Joelle Burns (sister), and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will all miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Elda Johns, siblings LuDene Johns, Wendell Johns, Betty Martin, and Connie Shumway.

A celebration of her life will be held the morning of Saturday, October 12 at the LDS Mackey Meadows Ward House located at 2976 W. Winchester Drive in West Valley City. A viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held later that day at the Afton Cemetery in Afton, Wyoming at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation at https://cjdfoundation.org/donations/ in her memory.