Sue Malott

Susan "Sue" Malott, born on August 10, 1946, in Greeley, Colorado, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, in La Junta, Colorado. She lived a life rich in experiences, service, and unwavering love for her family, which defined her existence and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Following her graduation from Loveland High School in 1964, Sue embarked on a journey that would take her to various states, including Florida, California, and Ohio. In 1968, she returned to Florida where she joined her father at Catalytic-Dow, serving as a receptionist in a joint venture with NASA on the Apollo space projects. It was during this pivotal time that she began dating Jerry Ross, a fellow alum of Loveland High School. After her tenure at Catalytic-Dow, Sue transitioned to a career as a flight attendant with United Airlines, which lasted several years before she and Jerry married.

Their lives together took them across the country, with Sue and Jerry residing in New Jersey, North Carolina, and Michigan before ultimately settling in Casper, Wyoming, where they welcomed their son, Mike Ross, into the world. While their marriage eventually ended, Sue's journey continued. She and Mike moved briefly to Fort Collins, Colorado, before returning to Casper, where she met Patrick Malott. They began their life together and were married on September 2, 1977.

As a family, Sue, Pat, and Mike relocated to Gillette, Wyoming, and later returned to Casper, where they celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Karen (Malott) Gacnik. In 1986, the family moved to Swink, Colorado, where Sue made significant contributions to her community through various roles, working with Otero County social services, serving in the Otero County clerk’s office, and holding the position of Town clerk in Swink. She also shared her enthusiasm for cheerleading as a Coach for the Swink School Cheer/Pom squad and later served as the Secretary at La Junta Intermediate School until her retirement in 2007, which coincided with the joyous news of becoming a grandmother.

An accomplished businesswoman at heart, Sue's creativity flourished in her venture, Sideline Gear, a home business that allowed her to combine her passion for crafting custom apparel with her love for her community. Through Sideline Gear, she provided local schools, teams, and individuals with personalized gear, all while cheering on those around her.

Sue's interests extended to hobbies such as reading, crocheting, and scrapbooking, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchild. She was fiercely loyal and profoundly loving, placing her family above all else and ensuring they felt cherished at every moment. Her imprint rests deep in the hearts of her family.

Sue is survived by her husband, Pat Malott of La Junta; children, Mike (Sarah) Ross of Spring, Texas, and Karen (Joey) Gacnik of La Junta, Colorado; grandchildren, Emma and Jake Gacnik of La Junta, Colorado; great grandson Aspen Lee of Keller TX, sisters, Sally (Bill) Moninger of Loveland, Colorado, and Patricia (Steve) Farnham of Loveland, Colorado; as well as nephews John Peden, Dave Farnham, Doug Farnham, nieces, Kim Summitt & Jennifer (Jim) Enright, and their respective families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Jo Trethewey. The legacy of Susan "Sue" Malott will live on in the memories of her loved ones, enriched by the warmth of her spirit and the countless moments of love she shared throughout her life.

Memorial service will be Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel with Reverend Dr. MJ Romano of the First Church of La Junta officiating. Inurnment will be Friday, October 17, 2025 at Loveland Burial Park in Loveland, Colorado. Memorial Gathering will be Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.