Sue Wishard

Ima Sue (Rose) Wishard, known lovingly as "Sweet Sue," passed away on September 29, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 83. Born on November 5, 1940, in Witter Arkansas, to James Afton and Nellie Thurston Rose, Sue lived a life marked by strength, resilience, and determination.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Maldon C. "Mel" Wishard, her cherished grandson, Silas Maldon Bivins, and her brother Douglas Rose. She is survived by her devoted daughters Cathy Puckett and her husband Bobby and Lisa Blakemore and her husband, Tom, her beloved grandson, Josh Bivins and his wife, Laura, and her great-grandchildren Lily Richardson and husband, Kyle, Ruby Bivins, Ian Aguilar, and Silas Bivins, each of whom she adored.

A true matriarch, Sue embodied strength in every aspect of her life. She was an accomplished woman who broke barriers in her career, becoming the second woman ever inducted into the prestigious Petroleum Club. Her career as an oil and gas buyer, including her work for Transok Pipeline, was a testament to her tenacity, sharp mind, and business acumen. Sue was the ultimate businesswoman, highly respected in her field for her work ethic and drive.

Outside of work, Sue had a zest for life that she shared with those around her. She was an avid gardener, finding joy and peace in tending to her plants. She loved reading and could often be found immersed in a good book. College football was another passion—she was a die-hard fan of both the OSU Cowboys and the Arkansas Razorbacks, cheering on her teams with fierce loyalty.

Sue also had a love for travel. With her husband Mel, she explored Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and even took the family to Disneyland, making memories that will be cherished forever. In her later years, she enjoyed the excitement of slot machines, never losing her spirit of adventure.

Sue wasn’t just a hard worker; she loved to work, relishing in her accomplishments and always pushing herself forward. Cooking may not have been her strongest suit, but her ability to connect with people, talk to anyone, and make them feel important more than made up for it. Her warmth and charm left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Sue’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched, her strength as a trailblazer, and her unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a family who will forever be grateful for the lessons she imparted and the love she showed.

Rest in peace, Sweet Sue. Your strength, spirit, and wisdom will never be forgotten.

A graveside service will be held 11:00am, Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery, 1200 North Cleveland Avenue, Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063. Please join the family for hors d'oeuvres and beverages at a reception to follow at the Tulsa Country Club, 701 N. Union Ave. Tulsa, OK 74127. Schaudt's Tulsa Funeral Service, 5757 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145, will be receiving flowers until 5:00pm, Friday, October 18, 2024.