Carolyn Jeanne (Susie) Steckel

Carolyn Jeanne (Susie) Peterson was born August 30th, 1942, to Edith and Loyal Peterson in Peyton, Colorado. She attended school there until she and her family moved to Montrose, where she graduated high school. On May 19th, 1960, she married Dick Steckel and lived at Rippling River Ranch in Gunnison before settling in Crawford in 1963.

In addition to ranching, and brokering real estate, Susie was deeply committed to her community. She was a member of Black Mesa Cowbelles and the Fruitland Mesa Club. She co-founded the annual Pioneer Days celebration with Shannon Cole, served as a legislative liaison for State Representative Margaret Masson, and held roles as President and Board Member of the Crawford Chamber of Commerce, and was active on the Tourism Council and Club 20. Susie served the Town of Crawford as a Trustee and as Mayor and later went on to serve on the Crawford Fire Board.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Shaynna; her mother, Edith; her husband, Dick; and her father, Loyal.

She is survived by her sisters and brothers, her son, four grandchildren, and one great grandson.

Susie's memorial service will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Paonia. Donations in Susie's honor can be made to the following organizations:

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 602 5th St., Paonia, CO 81428

North Fork Ambulance Auxiliary, P.O. Box 127, Hotchkiss, CO 81419

Hope West Hospice, P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416