Susan Henson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Susan Henson, known by most everyone as “Gramma Susan” age 70, of Joplin, Missouri went home to Jesus peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday December 12, 2024.

She was born on July 26, 1954, in Joplin, Missouri to Larry and Nina (Wilfley) Riley.

Susan met the love of her life, Rick Henson while attending North Middle School. They married on April 22, 1972, and together had 4 children. Susan loved being a mom and loved her perfect family of 6. Susan and Rick had just celebrated 52 years of wedded bliss this past April.

Susan worked in production at Ducommun (formerly known as Labarge) for over 30 years before retiring to spend as much time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her life revolved around her family spending as much time attending all events her children or grandchildren had, weekly family dinners, hosting all graduation parties of her grandkids at her house, all holiday gatherings, and making Christmas the most magical time for all at her house. She was their biggest superfan in everything they did. 

Susan included all her children's and grandchildren's friends as if they were her own. Susan also loved her many friends who quickly became part of her family. She had a special friend group called the Silly Sisters who did everything together, including Silly Sister trips to Florida every year. To say Susan had a love for others would be an understatement, she loved making everyone feel like family. Susan’s smile and laughter was infectious, lighting up every room she was in. 

Susan was also a prankster who enjoyed playing pranks on those she loved. Susan loved shopping, rummaging with her grandchildren, planting flowers and trees in her flower beds all around her house, windchimes, crafting with her daughters, granddaughters, and friends, playing games, watching westerns with her husband, loved taking pictures and sending them in the family text thread, loved having all her grandchildren for sleepovers at her house together, family lake vacations and the grinch.

Susan was a faithful Christian, attending Central City Christian Church, who had a love for Jesus and sharing her love for Jesus with others. Susan enjoyed hosting a Bible Study group in her home for many years. One of her favorite things to share was FROG: Forever Rely on God and shared it with all who she came into contact with.

She is survived by her husband, Rick; two daughters, Jenifer Vieselmeyer and husband Jason, Utona Montez and husband Marcus; eight grandchildren, Katie McClune and husband Tyler, Makayla Aldrich and husband Aaron, Ryan Henson and fiancé Rachel, Jayden Montez and fiancé Kylee, Luke Vieselmeyer, Ty Montez, Kain Henson, Raigen Henson; three great grandchildren, Lucas Henson, Jaylyn Montez, Parker Aldrich, one daughter in law, Heather Henson; her mother, Nina Riley; three brothers, Martin Riley, Brian Riley, David Riley, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her father Larry Riley and her beloved sons Ricky Henson and Justin Henson.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Tuesday December 17, 2024, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00-7:00 pm Monday at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Watered Gardens or Fostering Hope and may be sent in care of the mortuary. Susan had a passion for helping others.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory Joplin, Missouri.