LORA LYNNE "Suzie" KOONSMAN

Born on March 22, 1939, in San Antonio, Texas. She was the beloved daughter of Adelaide ‘Putsie’ and George Retherford. She grew up in Hondo, Texas and graduated from Hondo High School, Class of 1957, before pursuing a career in banking and office administration.

On August 9, 1969, Suzie married Otis Koonsman in Stephenville, Texas. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. They shared countless good times traveling to golf tournaments, horse races and many family gatherings, creating memories that brought them closer with every mile. Otis took Suzie’s two children – Ronnie and Renee – into his heart and raised them as his own, and together they welcomed their son, Randy. Their family was built not by blood alone, but by choice, devotion, and deep, enduring love.

Suzie had two wonderful careers over her lifetime that centered around serving people. First, she spent almost 20 years in banking where she is remembered by many for helping them to establish their first ever bank account or personal loan. Secondly, for over 30 years, Suzie served as the executive administrator at Beth-El where the Jewish community embraced her as family, even though she herself was not Jewish. Her strong work ethic, empathy and love for this community serve as a testament to her selflessness and her ability to create belonging wherever she went.

Suzie Koonsman will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her sister, Sara Conrad (John); her son Ronnie Reitzer (Paula); her daughter Renee Koonsman-Woods; her grandson, Justin Reitzer (Ashley); her granddaughters Tara Luther and Tamra Sutton (Adam); her three great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Ruff, Addison Reitzer, and Rhett Reitzer; her brother-in-law R.D. Koonsman; her sister-in-law Glenda Modesett; her nieces and nephews, Darla Bedwell (Monty), Elton Koonsman (LeAnne), Larry Lockett, Kelley Benner (Randy), Christine Jordan (Tony); and a large extended family and circle of friends, including all who knew her from living and working in Crowley, Texas and those she served from her Beth-El Congregation family.

Suzie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Otis Koonsman; her son, Randy Koonsman; her parents, Adelaide ‘Putsie’ & George Retherford; her brother, Jim ‘Jimbo’ Modesett; mother and father-in-law, Irene & Raymond Koonsman; and sisters-in-law, Alma Jean Lockett & Ruby Koonsman.

Suzie was uniquely recognizable by her full head of hair the color of cotton, her kind eyes the color of the sky, and her warm smile that radiated with the light that filled her heart. But her beauty ran far deeper than her appearance. She possessed a quick wit and a playful sense of humor that could lighten any room. If you were acting up, she didn't need to raise her voice—just a single look with those raised eyebrows was enough to remind you of your morals and values and set you straight, often with a hint of a smile that let you know you were still loved.

Her coconut cream pie was legendary, fought over at every family gathering. Unendingly kind, compassionate, and filled with unconditional love, she devoted herself completely to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She also found great joy in simple pleasures, like going to bingo with her friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 pm Thursday, June 4, at Beth-El Congregation, 4900 Briarhaven Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jewish Family Services Senior Program (Jewish Federation of Ft Worth and Tarrant County), Beth-El Congregation Religious School Fund, Crowley Texas Animal Shelter, or the charity of your choice.