Susan Jane Stowell

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Susan Jane Stowell, who peacefully returned home to our Heavenly Father on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on September 15, 1949, in Glendale, California, the youngest child to Charles and Nellie Barnes, Susie grew up with a spirited love for people and the world around her. She attended Crescent Valley Senior High School in La Crescenta, CA and went on to study Anthropology at UC Santa Barbara and Brigham Young University.

Susan dedicated her professional life to special education, where she became far more than a teacher. Her classroom was a place of patience and possibility. She had the opportunity of teaching a wide variety of students in multiple school settings including Silver Hills Elementary (West Valley City, Utah); Victor Valley Jr. High and Hook Jr. High (Victorville, California); and West Lake Jr High (West Valley City, Utah) where she spent her last few years before retirement. Her legacy lives on in those students whose lives she touched.

Above all, Susan's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother of 5, a proud grandmother to 17 (almost 18), and looked forward to the day her first great grandchild would be born, which occurred a few short weeks before she was called home.

She pulled double duty as a single mom for many years, selflessly giving of herself, her time, and her resources so her children could participate in the various activities they loved. She sacrificed so much to make sure her kids were cared for and happy. She created a home where everyone felt welcomed.

Susan found deep happiness in the beauty of the world. She loved traveling, exploring new places, and especially spending time by the ocean. Nature renewed her spirit - sandy beaches, open skies, and quiet walks outdoors were among her favorite simple pleasures. She loved being able to travel with her grandchildren most of all, and had hopes of being able to explore more countries of the world.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She served faithfully in many callings and regularly attended the Temple, drawing strength and purpose from her testimony. Her faith guided her choices, steadied her in challenges, and shaped the legacy she leaves behind.

Susan is survived by her eternal companion, Brian Stowell; her children: Matthew (Valerie) Goms (Draper, UT), Michael (Jessica) Goms (Lehi, UT), Alicia (Shawn) Bias (Worcester, NY), Kristen (Jared) Schoettler (Madera, CA), and Kevin (Stephanie) Goms (Ucon, ID); her brother, Don (Ann) Barnes (Cedar City, UT); and her beloved grandchildren: Blake, Hailey, Kaiden, Cole, Britney, Jacob, Joey, Abbie, Addyson, Natalie, Nicki, Emily, Ethan, Charly, Emma, Paisley, and Brady; her first great grandchild: Maddison; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her loving parents and her sister, Irene Borses.

A public viewing will be held on March 9, 2026, at 9:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at River Oaks Chapel, 8950 South 1300 West, West Jordan, Utah 84088. Internment will follow.

Susan's life was one of service, devotion, and quiet strength. Her love endures in the lives she shaped, the family she nurtured, and the faith she lived so faithfully.