Suzanne Kay Kircher was born to parents Ken and Doral Kircher on April 1, 1941 in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Throughout her life she put up with mild teasing about being an April Fool’s baby.

She attended school in Idaho until her parents moved to Oregon in 1956. She attended high school in Prineville, Oregon, graduating in 1959.

She then enrolled at Oregon State University and completed two years. It was there that she met Robert Brown and a lifelong friendship ensued. Suzy and Bob were married June 12, 1965, in Prineville and then they moved to Los Angeles so Bob could begin his 33-year career with Humble Oil, which became Exxon. During the first 12 years of Bob’s career he was transferred eight times and Suzy quickly learned how to pull up stakes and make new friends at a new location.

In 1977 Bob accepted a transfer to Australia and a whole new life path began. Suzy always said that Australia was a dream assignment and while she hoped it would last at least three years, it ran for eight. In 1985 Bob and Suzy moved to Malaysia, where they lived for five years. Upon completion of that assignment Bob and Suzy moved to Houston. Bob retired in 1998 and the couple began yet another adventure. They bought a motorhome and began traveling the U.S. and Canada. Ultimately, they covered over 250,000 miles and 49 U.S. states.

They did make the 50th state but it was by plane.

Suzy loved driving the 40 foot motorhome and occasionally would let Bob behind the wheel!

Suzy and Bob moved to Ouray, Colorado, in 2012 and Suzy just loved the mountains. They spent time in the mountains around Ouray on four wheel drive roads, camping and hiking. In 2014 Suzy and Bob joined the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Ouray Lodge #492. Both enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow Elks and Suzy served as Esteemed Lecturing Knight until her passing.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Ouray Elks Lodge #492 in Suzy’s name would be greatly appreciated.

Ouray County Plaindealer • 2026