Susan Marie Hansen Esquivel

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(July 22, 1950 - Dec. 20, 2012)

Susan Marie Hansen Esquivel died after a sudden illness in Aurora, Colo., at the University of Colorado, Denver Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, surrounded by her family.

Susan was born to Eugene Leroy Hansen and Patricia Ann Wilkes in Casper on July 22, 1950. She was the oldest of five and had three sisters and one brother. The family resided in Casper. In 1968 Susan graduated from Natrona County High School in Casper.

Shortly after she married and had her first child, Jordan Christopher Verley. They resided in Casper for the next few years, the couple later divorced. During her time in Casper, Susan held various jobs. Susan was the first woman to be hired by Cable TV of Casper to install lines and climb poles. She was very proud that she stood her ground and let them know it was illegal for them to not hire her! She was hired on the spot. She also worked for Teton Homes in Casper building trailers and other items. She was an extremely hard worker all her life and completed any job she set her mind to.

In 1975 she met the love of her life, Mick Esquivel. They were married on Jan. 31, 1979. The couple lived in Casper for two years and then moved to Lovell to be near Mick’s mother and father, Sally and Frank. Susan worked for Frank and Sally, managing the Oasis bar they owned. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for the Senior Center.

On Oct. 8, 1982, Mick and Susan’s only daughter, Nancy Lynn Esquivel, was born. The family moved to Byron shortly after, and Susan began working for the school district in 1986, where she worked until her death.

Family was very important to Susan. She loved spending time with her husband and children. In 2004 Susan’s first and only grandchild was born. Karsten Frank Hart had his grandma’s and grandpa’s hearts from the moment he was born. Susan and Mick would do anything for him and they did just that. Mick and Susan never missed an event Karsten was involved in. Karsten and Nancy moved to Thermopolis in December 2011, but still Mick and Susan traveled to attend his special days, like Grandparent’s Day.

Susan had two passions in life, family and golf. If she wasn’t at home watching football, you could find her on the golf course. She played as much golf as possible. Her favorite quote was “A bad day golfing is better than the best day at work.” She truly believed this as she would often play in a golf league on Thursday afternoons. Susan loved the people and just being outside. She played in many pro-am tournaments and had many great golfing days with her husband and best friends, the Lee’s.

Her green thumb let her have a beautiful flower garden and yard. Although she always made Mick mow the grass, she took care of the flowers and trees, and Susan even won “Best Yard” in Byron one year.

Susan was an EMT for the Powell Ambulance Service for more than 15 years, alongside her husband Mick. They both taught many EMT classes and were highly trained in emergency medicine. This job gave her the ability to serve the community and do something she truly loved, helping people.

Susan had one motto she lived by, “Play the hand you are dealt,” and she did just that. She never complained and lived life to the fullest. Susan was active and full of life up until her illness.

Susan is survived by her husband Mick Esquivel of Byron; son Jordan Christopher Verley of Bend, Ore.; daughter Nancy Lynn Hart and grandson Karsten Frank Hart, both of Thermopolis; sisters Sandra Jean Groom of Seward, Alaska, Lynn Ann Weatherford of Gallup, N.M. and Christi Lee Bucher of Oklahoma City, Okla., and her stepfather Bill Maycumber of Albuquerque, N.M.

She was preceded in death by her brother Charles Lawrence Weatherford, mother Patricia Ann Wilkes, father Eugene Leroy Hansen, and both sets of natural grandparents.

A memorial service was held Jan. 1 at the Rocky Mountain High School in Cowley.

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