Sue Ellen Heinbigner

CULBERTSON -- Sue Ellen Heinbigner of Culbertson died Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. She was 44 years old.

Sue was born on Nov. 7, 1963, in McCook to Jake and Mildred Berniece (Schilz) Heinbigner. She graduated from Culbertson High School in 1982, McCook Community College in 1984, and continued her education at Nebraska Christian College in Norfolk.

She returned to Culbertson to help her parents. She was currently employed as a Direct Support Staff for the Southwest Area Training Services (SWATS) in McCook where she had served for over 20 years.

She enjoyed working in her garden, collecting bears, painting ceramics and spending time with her faithful friend, a Cocker Spaniel by the name of Fat Albert. She also loved spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Jake and Mildred Heinbigner and her maternal and paternal, grandparents.

Survivors include her three sisters, Linda and husband, Bill Smitherman of Bristol, R.I., June and husband, Rick McDonald of Culbertson and Cathy and husband, Tom Golden of Charlotte, N.C.; seven nieces and nephews, Tyson, Justin, Melissa, Christina, Jessica, Sarah and A.J.; six great nieces and nephews, Jake, Lisha, Rowan, Emma, Ava and Ethan; her SWATS family and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in her name to the American Heart Association, Diabetes Foundation or Southwest Area Training Services.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. Family will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Friends may send condolences to www.carpenterbreland.com.

Funeral services will be Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, 10 a.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating. Burial will be in the Culbertson Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.