Susan A. Toomay, born December 15, 1957, in Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at the age of 68, in Olathe, Kansas.

Raised in the heartland of America, Susan began her working days at TG&Y in Shawnee, Kansas, and later became a speedy courier for Chicago Title in Olathe, Kansas, where an unforgettable orange Nova transported both packages and her dreams. After marrying, she moved to Oklahoma.  It was there that she had her only child, Joshua Evans Fry.  She loved being a mother. The family moved to Amarillo, Texas, where she worked for JCPenney as a security guard.  One memorable event resulted in a broken thumb as she apprehended a suspect.

Susan had aspirations beyond retail and security; she pursued her passion for education while working, earning a degree in General Studies from the University of Texas. Her teaching path led her back to Kansas City, where she influenced young minds at Headstart Pre-school in Overland Park before transitioning to roles at Sam's Club in Lenexa and a medical answering service in Mission, Kansas. A proud veteran, Susan joined the Army Reserves in Oklahoma, attended Officer Training Camp, and served with distinction during deployments to Bosnia and Kosovo, retiring as a Captain after 25 dedicated years. Her time in the reserves mirrored her personality—resilient, disciplined, and always ready for the next challenge.

Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2005, which she tackled with a relentless spirit. Even though it greatly affected her mobility, she refused to let balance issues slow her down.  Susan received excellent care from the VA Medical Center. Her significant other, Rick Kauffman, played a crucial role in advocating for her medical care. They each had significant medical issues, and together they supported each other.

Susan lived in skilled nursing facilities for the last six plus years of her life.  Thank you to the special workers who cared for her during this time of her life.  The family would like to give a special shout out to Julie at Hillside, Carrie from Harbor Hospice, and Lacey at Evergreen. Susan could be a tease and also scorch you with her sarcastic wit.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Jo Ann Toomay, brother, David Toomay, and sister, Cathy Toomay. She is survived by her loving family: son Joshua Fry, daughter-in-law Brittany Fry, granddaughters Courtney Fry and Kenzie Kennedy, grandson Russell Kennedy, sister Denise Brooks, brother-in-law Chuck Brooks, nieces Melissa Whitaker and Melinda (Daniel) Shinault, nephews Bryon(Jessica) Brooks and Bradley Brooks, nephew Michael Baxter, and a collection of great-nieces and nephews: Avery, Hannah, Caleb, Makenna, Jaydon, Clara, Alexandria, and Aidan.

A private gathering with family will be held to commemorate her life—a life well lived and humorously endured. Susan was spunky until the end, wielding her sarcasm like a badge of honor, leaving us all laughing through our tears. We will miss you, girl.