Susan Melius

Susan Melius, 72, of Faulkton, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Faulkton Senior Living, Faulkton.

In keeping with Susan’s wishes, no services will be held. A private burial will take place at a later date at the Faulkton City Cemetery.

Susan was born on October 8, 1953, in Faulkton, SD, to Orvil and Irene Melius.  She attended school in Faulkton and graduated with the Class of 1971.  Outside of school, Susan loved helping on the farm and riding horses with her two sisters and cousins.  She continued her education at South Dakota State University, completing her degree in just three years. She earned a double major in Geography and Spanish, along with a minor in Music. During her studies, she spent a memorable summer in Mexico, immersing herself in the language and culture she wanted to learn.

Susan began her career at the EROS Data Center near Sioux Falls. She later moved to Oklahoma City, where she spent nine months living with her sister and brother‑in‑law, Marilee and Ray Patton. From there, she relocated to Kansas City and worked as a reservationist for Frontier Airlines. Her path then led her to Salt Lake City, where she earned her CPA degree from the University of Utah.

Eventually, Susan settled in Southern California, beginning a 35‑year career with Toshiba.  A career which she excelled in and allowed her to travel the world.  Susan also enjoyed traveling to see family in various states.  She retired in 2020 and returned to her home state of South Dakota.  She lived in Sioux Falls while building a “shouse” in Faulkton, where she spent her summers surrounded by the community she cherished.

Throughout her life, Susan found joy in the outdoors. While living in California, she loved hiking, camping, and rafting with close friends.  Back in South Dakota, she took great pride in gardening and caring for her lawn at her shouse and enjoyed every trip “up north” to the farm site where she grew up.  A combine or tractor ride during harvest/planting season hold some of her favorite memories.  Susan had a deep appreciation for art and was especially drawn to the bright, vibrant colors that brought so many pieces to life.  Susan loved the many visits and phone calls from all her family and friends over the years; an hour phone call was not out of the ordinary.

Susan is survived by her two sisters, Marilee Patton of Tulsa, OK and Diane (Lee) Hansen of Faulkton, SD; two nephews and one niece, Rick (Ashley) Hansen of Aberdeen, SD, Trish (Cole) Cotton of Faulkton, SD, and Micheal Patton of Tulsa, OK; and five great-nieces and nephews, Blake, Evan, and Heidi Hansen;  Raya and Harper Cotton.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Orvil and Irene Melius; brother-in-law, Ray Patton; and nephews, Matthew Patton and Cody Hansen.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Susan’s arrangements.