Susan Daylong

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Susan Ann Kirts Daylong, 76, passed away on July 5, 2025, at her home. She was a loving wife, spunky sister, sacrificial mother, adoring Aunt, and gernous friend.

Susan is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Daylong; her parents, Nellie and Josephus Kirts; her brother, Bobby J. Kirts; her sister, Mary Jane Work; and brother-in-law, Ron Work. She is survived by her son, Chris Ruby (Jason); her sister-in-law, Mary Truman Kirts; nieces, Becky Reichart (Ron) and Dana Kirts Snapp (Mike); her great nieces and nephew, Katie and Zack Griggs, Nathaniel Reichart, Molly Kirts Patterson; and her great-great niece and nephew, Wilder and Mary Juniper Griggs; and her best friend, Tammy Roark.

Born in Enid, Oklahoma in 1948, Susan grew up serving in her parents' grocery store, Kirts Grocery, in Enid, Oklahoma where she learned to work hard and to love neighbors generously. She graduated from Enid Highschool in 1966 and then worked at the police station, the Texas Oklahoma Express (TOX), and the George E. Failing Company.

In the 90's, with a great leap of courage, Susan chose to leave Enid and venture forth to Rogers, Arkansas where she had attained a job with the Veteran's Administration (VA) hospital. She quickly settled in, loved her job, made cherished friends, and was offered a promotion to the VA in Fayetteville. After moving to Fayetteville, she met the love of her life, Richard Daylong. They were married in 1995 and the two of them roamed on many adventures often visiting family and spending time in Branson, Missouri. After retirement, they built thier dream log home (literally much of it themselves) and settled in the mountains of Noel, Missouri. Richard could build and fix anything Susan could think of and she was such a creative thinker. They enjoyed owning goats, feeding 100's of hummingbirds non-stop, and adopting a couple of stray dogs, their hearts open to whomever came to their door.

Susan was a creative artist and so generous with sharing her painted items, crafts and sewing. Susan had a wicked sense of humor with herself frequently at the center of it. She and Mary Jane were frequent mischief companions, shopping every aisle of the local Walmart, teasing and laughing the who time, buying gifts foreach other and for family and friends. In 2013, Susan was able to reunite with her son, Chris, whom she had placed for adoption with a beautiful family in 1970. This stirred and filled her heart with so much joy.

The family also wants to express their great appreciation to Tammy Roark, Susan's cherished friend who just might be an angel on earth. Friend does not sum it up; she's cared for Susan, taken her to appointments, set her straight many times, bought and delivered groceries, and just overall enriched Susan's life with joy and friendship and shenanigans.