Suzanne Mixsell

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Suzanne Michelle Mixsell, age 86, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born August 31, 1939, in Burbank California, the daughter of James and Desi (Cunningham) Ryan. Suzanne was the older sister in the family.

Suzanne’s working career began while working for a CPA Accountant. She then applied for a position at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, located in Burbank, California. Suzanne was a secretary for one of the Directors of the hospital. 

During her stay at the hospital, she was promoted to payroll executive for the entire hospital. Her previous accounting experience provided excellent qualifications for this payroll position. While Suzanne worked for the hospital, she graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree cum laude from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, California, on December 18, 1981. Suzanne’s love of fashion and clothing enabled her to excel in companies like The Broadway and The May Company. 

During her tenure at the May Company, Suzanne worked as a fashion consultant and color analyst for her customers. Suzanne’s crowning career achievement took place in Paso Robles, California, where she owned her own clothing boutique for seven years. During her time living in Paso Robles, California, she and her husband, Michael, built their dream home in the rolling hills of the countryside. In the summer of 2000, Suzanne and Michel moved to Aurora, Missouri, and have been members of the community for 25 years. Suzanne’s dream of owning a Victorian home in Missouri came true and all of the antique furnishings adorned the home throughout.

Suzanne was previously married to Arthur Cameron in 1957 and that marriage lasted for 21 years. They had three children, Scott, Don, and Deborah. Suzanne remarried again to Michael Mixsell on August 16, 1980. Suzanne and Michael were happily married for 45 years until her passing.

Suzanne loved working with clothing as a hobby and as a profession. She enjoyed cooking and
collecting new recipes of all types of foods. Suzanne’s musical talents included playing the piano and the organ. She played the organ at the Hollywood Methodist Church for the church services. As a member of the Methodist Church, Suzanne taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and worked with young children at Little Lambs. Suzanne was a beautiful lady with a caring heart for everyone. Her strong religious background in the Methodist Church prepared her for life’s challenges and difficulties. Suzanne overcame all of life’s problems with her strong faith in Jesus Christ!

Suzanne is survived by her husband, Michael; her three sons, Scott, Don, and Mark; her daughter, Deborah; one sister, Lawana; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

A visitation under the direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, will be held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Aurora United Methodist Church with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at the Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Breast Cancer Centers of America in care of the funeral home.