Sue Ellen Henderson

Sue Ellen Henderson, 68, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, as the result of injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. She passed away at Des Moines Methodist Hospital surrounded by her sister and children. She graduated from Iowa State University where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in animal science and later a Master’s Degree in agriculture. For 19 years she farmed and helped with the Delaney Ranch 500-head cow-calf operation. She then transitioned to Iowa State University Extension County and Regional Director where she had a decorative career for 28 years. There, she raised 1.5M in grants with $500,000 serving Monroe County. She developed numerous programs including Master Gardeners, Annie’s Program, Pick a Better Snack, the communal garden, Helping Hands and NEST (which supported women pregnant or with children under five years of age.) Her greatest passion was spending time with her children and grandchildren (better known as Grannie Sue to them). They brought her so much joy. Even after retirement, she couldn’t sit still for too long. She loved spending time in her garden and man could she bake! She continued to be very involved in the community from substitute teaching at Albia High School or volunteering at St. Mary’s church or the Helping Hands Center. She undoubtedly will be remembered for her giving and caring spirit. She is survived by her 11 children: her 4 daughters, Jenn (Nick) Price, Laura (Chris) Delaney, Samantha (Dustin) Ostrander, and Salina (Tyson) Spaeth; her 7 sons, Josh Delaney, Pete Delaney, Charlie Delaney, Preston Henderson, Brandon (Meghan) Henderson, Andrew (Briana) Henderson, and Austin Henderson; and 14 grandchildren, Tristan (17), Aiden (15), Micah (12), Presley (8), Abyl (8), Rylan (7), Maya (6), Maddie (6), Xavier (4), Cal (4), Ryley (3), Ella (3), Wrenley (2), and Kaesyn (1). She is also survived by her partner, Craig Noring of West Liberty; her sister Marilyn Gehrman of Minnesota and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Ann and 2 sisters, Margaret Smalling and Bev Nelson. Sue’s “Remembrance Gathering” will take place at the Albia Country Club located at 300 North Country Club Lane in Albia on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. We ask you to please stop by and share your greatest memory of mom. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to donate to Monroe County Helping Hands in her name (P.O. Box 193, Albia, IA 52531). We couldn’t think of a better way to honor her legacy than by helping others and spreading kindness.

Sue Ellen Henderson

October 26, 1956 - November 6, 2024