Susan R. Batson

Susan Rae Batson, 73, of Lindsborg, Kansas, and formerly of McPherson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Bethany Home in Lindsborg.

Born on January 8, 1952, in Hays, Kansas, Susan was the daughter of Aegedius P. “Curly” Brungardt and Jane H. (Wood) Hale Brungardt. She was a proud graduate of McPherson High School and lived a life defined by her deep love for her family and her unwavering work ethic.

Susan’s career spanned many years, beginning with her time at TG&Y and Walmart in the cash room. She later became a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), providing compassionate care to the residents of Multi Community Diversified Services (MCDS) and Cedars Courts. Her devotion to her patients and their families left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered, and she cherished the relationships she built with her coworkers. She was a dedicated provider and worked tirelessly to support her children, never shying away from hard work.

A lifelong sports fan, Susan was especially passionate about her Kansas City Chiefs and the KU Jayhawk basketball team. She followed NASCAR closely, with a special fondness for the Hendrick team and driver Chase Elliott. On race days, she would always remind her son about the upcoming races, and during football games, she enjoyed texting her daughter during Chiefs’ touchdowns. Some of her most cherished memories were trips she took with her children—attending her first KU game in person and enjoying a live “Dancing with the Stars” show.

Throughout her life, Susan enjoyed a variety of hobbies. She loved cross-stitching and crocheting blankets, often making them for friends and family. She also found great joy in assembling jigsaw puzzles, especially with her granddaughter, with whom she shared countless hours of patience and love.

Susan’s love for animals was unparalleled. She adored her cats, including Socksie, Wrigley, Dipstick, Dottie, and Charlie, and cared for them deeply. Despite the heartache of losing them, she would always open her heart to a new furry companion. She developed a special fondness for giraffes and goats, regularly watching their antics on live cameras and visiting the Rolling Hills Zoo to see the giraffes. Susan’s love of animals extended to the goats she watched online, and she was known for gifting goat milk soap and lotion to friends and family.

Above all, Susan’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She raised her children with boundless love and dedication, always ensuring they had what they needed. She adored her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Austin, and Jeffery, and was particularly close to her great-granddaughters, Jayce, Inabelle, and Xzena. She was thrilled to have a great-granddaughter named after her and loved watching their cheerleading journeys and spending time with them whenever possible.

Susan was known for her unconditional love, as well as for her blunt honesty. She had a small, tight-knit circle of friends and family, but those who were close to her knew they had her unwavering support. Susan would do anything for the ones she loved, and she was always there to tell you exactly what she thought. Her legacy of love, loyalty, and hard work will forever be cherished by all who knew her.

Susan is survived by her children, Jeremy (Michelle) Batson and Jennifer (Jody) Keim; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Nichols, Austin Batson, and Jeffery Batson; her great-grandchildren, Jayce Taylor, Inabelle Taylor, and Xzena Taylor; her sister, Louise Busch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Curly and Jane Brungardt, and her sisters, Lois Harder and Stevie Jones.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the McPherson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cat House in McPherson, Kansas, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

Susan’s love and impact will be felt forever, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.