Sue Ella (Lamer) Rich

It is with insurmountable sadness and great love that we announce the passing of Sue Ella (Grandma Sue) Rich, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, who went to dance with Jesus in eternal peace on December 4th, 2024 at the age of 95 in Cookeville, TN. She was born, raised and lived in Cobden, Illinois until moving to Tennessee in 2009. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will live on in our hearts.

Born April 11, 1929, to Acenith Catherine (Mann) and Robert (Babe) Lamer, Sue Ella was a beacon of strength, compassion, and resilience. She dedicated her life to caring for others, serving as a nurse for an incredible 65 years. Her selfless dedication to her profession exemplified her servant heart, always putting the needs of others before her own. As a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church, she served as a Parrish nurse, missionary and often filled in as a lay pastor for churches in need. Her achievements and accolades were many, but her most proud were her legacy of love, kindness and acts of service she provided to others including her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Andrea Rich Ciambriello (James,) Son-in-law, Dan Keller, brother-in-law Bud Pearson, sister-in-law, Linda Lamer, three grandchildren, Christy (Burge) Norton (Chris,) Michael Ciambriello and Taylor Ciambriello Thiem (Keaton,) five great-grandchildren, Austin Norton (Sabrina,) Alexa Barrientos (Jose,) Karter, Kamryn and Kennedy Thiem, and three great-great-granddaughters, Ellie, Evelyn and Eliza Norton, and one great-great grandson, Chase Barrientos as well as very special nieces, nephews and cousins, who will forever carry her memory and their love for her in their hearts.

Sue Ella was preceded in death by her husband G. Wallace Rich, her son, Mark Wallace Rich, her daughter, Janielle Rich Keller, her parents, her sister, Barbara Lee Pearson and her brother, Robert Vaughn Lamer.

Sue Ella had an extraordinary ability to make everyone she met feel special and loved most of all but would speak her mind whenever she felt it to be right. Her laughter, wit, wisdom and nurturing spirit touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

We will continue to celebrate a long life well-lived and the lasting impact she has had on our family as well as all who knew her. Sue Ella's memory will be honored and cherished forever, and her love and years of service will continue to inspire us all.

A graveside memorial service For Sue Ella Rich will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday April 18, 2025 at the Cobden Cemetery in Cobden for family members and friends to gather in honor of her life and legacy.